By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

The Federal Government has taken a decisive step toward overhauling the nation’s correctional system, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability with the presentation of a major investigative report into alleged misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The report, compiled by an Independent Investigative Panel, was formally unveiled at a high-level stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Ministry of Interior. The event drew participants from across government institutions, the justice sector, security agencies, civil society, and international development partners.

Speaking at the gathering, Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the government deliberately chose a thorough and transparent approach in probing the allegations rather than a superficial review. He noted that the panel, inaugurated on November 24, 2024, concluded its work after 16 months of extensive investigations, consultations, and analysis.

According to the Minister, the report marks a critical milestone in strengthening institutional integrity within the correctional system. He stressed that the government is determined to confront systemic challenges head-on, describing the exercise as an opportunity to drive lasting reform.

The investigation was launched following serious allegations, including corruption, abuse of authority, and human rights violations in correctional facilities. Findings from the report highlighted the urgent need to align operations with global standards of justice, professionalism, and respect for human dignity.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized that correctional centres must transition from mere detention facilities into hubs for rehabilitation, reintegration, and social transformation. He added that the report’s recommendations would guide comprehensive reforms targeting institutional capacity, staff welfare, and improved service delivery.

Calling for collective action, the Minister urged stakeholders to support the reform process, noting that sustainable change requires shared responsibility and a firm commitment to the rule of law.

Also speaking, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, commended the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward restoring public trust in the justice system.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening human rights protections through existing frameworks, including the National Human Rights Commission.
Fagbemi further highlighted the importance of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, which he said marked a shift from a punitive system to a modern correctional model focused on rehabilitation and human dignity.

In her remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Chairperson of the Investigative Panel, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, described the engagement as a vital platform for dialogue and collective ownership of reform outcomes. She noted that the panel’s work was guided by principles of fairness, independence, and public interest.

Goodwill messages from key stakeholders, including representatives of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, the Nigerian Bar Association, and UNICEF, underscored the need for decisive implementation of the report’s recommendations.

Participants identified major systemic challenges such as overcrowding, prolonged pre-trial detention, and gaps in legal implementation.

They called for sustained reforms, including the expansion of non-custodial measures, improved access to justice, stronger oversight mechanisms, protection of vulnerable groups, and better welfare for correctional personnel.

There was a shared consensus that the report must serve as a catalyst for measurable and lasting change in Nigeria’s correctional system.

The Minister formally declared the engagement open, urging all stakeholders to approach the reform process with sincerity, objectivity, and a unified commitment to building a humane, transparent, and efficient correctional system.