FG Considers Reducing Number of Prisons, Warns Against Inhumane Treatment of Inmates

The Federal Government has signaled plans to reduce Nigeria’s 256 custodial facilities, citing underutilization and the need for better management. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed this during a public hearing on alleged corruption and human rights violations within the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Tunji-Ojo noted that some prisons operate at only 30-40% capacity while others are overcrowded. He suggested redistributing inmates convicted of federal offenses to balance the population and ease congestion.

Emphasizing the need for humane treatment, the minister warned against abuse of inmates and called for psychological evaluations for correctional officers. He stressed that incarceration should focus on rehabilitation, not condemnation, urging reforms to uphold human dignity within the system.