Interior Ministry Calls For Urgent State Action On Correctional Reforms
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, has called on State Governments and key stakeholders to take immediate and practical steps toward improving conditions and strengthening accountability within Nigeria’s correctional system.
Dr. Ajani made the call on Wednesday during her closing remarks at a high-level stakeholders’ engagement, where participants deliberated extensively on critical issues affecting correctional administration in the country.
She expressed appreciation to all participants for their commitment, noting that the engagement provided a platform for frank, thoughtful, and constructive discussions on matters central to public trust, social integrity, and human dignity.
According to her, the issues examined by the panel are fundamental to building institutions that uphold the rule of law and effectively serve the Nigerian people.
“The matters addressed are not to be treated lightly, nor ignored, if we are truly committed to building institutions that uphold accountability and protect human dignity,” she stated.
Dr. Ajani explained that the engagement was guided by the objective of ensuring fair and impartial examination of issues, establishing facts, and developing practical recommendations to enhance transparency, efficiency, and institutional integrity.
She emphasized that the goal of the reform process is not to weaken institutions but to strengthen them through sustainable and transparent reforms.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, she noted that lasting reform can only be achieved through collective effort, partnership, sincerity of purpose, and strong political will.
Describing the outcome of the engagement as a “call to action,” the Permanent Secretary stressed that the true value of the process would be measured by the level of implementation of the recommendations.
She disclosed that the next step would be the finalisation of the report, incorporating stakeholders’ inputs, before its formal presentation to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. She added that the report would be made public to ensure transparency and encourage broad stakeholder participation in its implementation.
Dr. Ajani urged State Attorneys-General to take proactive measures, including prioritising the provision of basic facilities in correctional centres such as healthcare services, education, sanitation, and access to clean water.
She noted that the majority of inmates are state offenders, making it imperative for states to play a more active role in improving correctional facilities and ensuring humane treatment.
Commending states like Kebbi for taking proactive steps, she encouraged others to adopt similar approaches, noting that many of the required interventions are achievable with commitment and coordination.
She further advised states to adopt correctional centres within their jurisdictions, collaborate with the Nigerian Correctional Service, and deploy essential personnel such as healthcare workers to improve conditions.
Dr. Ajani also called on states to develop relevant legal frameworks where necessary and strengthen oversight mechanisms through regular visits and policy reviews.
While acknowledging the cost implications of establishing state correctional centres, she encouraged collaboration with existing federal structures as a practical and effective alternative.
She stressed that national duty requires honesty in confronting challenges and a commitment to prioritising national interest above all considerations.
Looking ahead, she urged states to include correctional service provisions in their budgets to ensure sustained improvements and effective collaboration.
“The outcome of this engagement should strengthen our institutions, deepen public trust, and advance justice, accountability, and humane correctional administration in Nigeria,” she said.
