Interior Minister Reaffirms FG’’s Commitment to Rehabilitation, Transformation of Correctional Service
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to transforming Nigeria’s correctional centres into institutions of rehabilitation, empowerment, and reintegration.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Ozoya Imohimi on Thursday in Abuja.
The Minister received in audience the President of Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE), Mr. Sylvester Uhaa, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja. While speaking to the delegation, the Minister emphasised the importance of aligning correctional services with the ideals enshrined in the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019.
Highlighting the transition from the former Nigerian Prison Service to the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Minister stated, “A prison is a place of punishment, while a correctional centre is a place of rehabilitation, transformation, and preparation for reintegration. This is not just a change in nomenclature but a shift in ideology. Our goal is to ensure that inmates leave correctional centres with renewed hope and a commitment to a crime-free life.”
The Minister called for a collaborative approach, urging government agencies, private sector and civil society organizations to work together in achieving the objectives of the Correctional Service Act.
He stressed the need to eliminate stigmatisation and support the reintegration of former inmates into society, stating, “We must not turn rehabilitation centres into condemnation centres. every individual, regardless of their past mistakes, deserves the opportunity to rebuild their future.”
Commending Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants’ ongoing efforts in promoting education and rehabilitation for inmates, the Minister pledged Government’s support for initiatives aimed at transforming correctional facilities.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo affirmed that correctional services are a joint task, “We must ensure that inmates are rehabilitated and reintegrated as productive members of society by doing so, we solve tomorrow’s problems today.”
Earlier in his remarks, the President of Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants, Mr. Sylvester Uhaa expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to correctional reforms and highlighted the organization’s initiatives, including the Books Behind Bars Project, Educational Support Programs, and the Proposed Northeast Project.
He also sought the Minister’s collaboration in securing approvals for projects that focus on inmate education and infrastructure development within correctional centres.
