By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed a sweeping reform agenda aimed at overhauling the nation’s correctional system, tightening border security through advanced technology, and strengthening financial accountability across public institutions.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the announcement Wednesday while hosting Haruna Yahaya, President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and members of his delegation during a courtesy visit to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Tunji-Ojo emphasized that Nigeria’s correctional system must evolve beyond incarceration to focus on rehabilitation and reintegration. He described the shift from the former Prisons Act to the Nigerian Correctional Service Act as a strategic move to modernize the system and align it with global best practices.

“Government has a duty of care to all citizens, including those in custody,” the minister said. “Our goal is to ensure they return to society better prepared and reformed.”

On border security, Tunji-Ojo revealed that the government’s Correctional Information Management System (CIMS) has compiled more than 50 million records from operations at seaports and airports, with integration of land border data currently underway. He noted that the system is designed to detect irregularities and prevent unauthorized entry, marking a shift toward proactive security measures.
“We are building systems that prevent threats before they occur, rather than reacting after the fact,” he said.

The minister also underscored the importance of strengthening financial systems within government agencies.

While acknowledging the value of audits, he stressed that preventive mechanisms must take precedence to reduce inefficiencies and curb leakages.
“It’s not enough to identify problems after they happen. We must create structures that make such problems less likely to occur,” he added.

Calling for deeper collaboration, Tunji-Ojo urged professional organizations like ICAN to partner more closely with government in areas such as revenue assurance, transparency, and internal controls. He said such cooperation would improve institutional efficiency and boost investor confidence.

Addressing infrastructure challenges, the minister highlighted the need to expand Nigeria’s fire and rescue services nationwide, suggesting that public-private partnerships could play a critical role in funding and delivery.

He also congratulated ICAN on its upcoming West Africa Accountants Conference scheduled for December 2026, pledging government support and commending the growing presence of women in leadership roles within the profession.

Earlier, ICAN President Yahaya praised ongoing reforms within the ministry and proposed the creation of a joint financial integrity and revenue assurance task force between the institute and the ministry. He said the initiative would target key areas including revenue assessment within the Nigeria Immigration Service, payroll audits across uniformed agencies, and procurement risk management.

The proposal, he noted, is aimed at reducing financial leakages and reinforcing accountability across government operations.