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By Ibironke Ariyo
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has pledged to decongest custodial centres, as a part of a complete reform plan to rework the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
Tunji-Ojo made the pledge on the second public listening to of an Independent Investigative Panel on alleged corruption and different violations of the regulation levelled in opposition to the NCoS, in Abuja.
The minister, emphasising the necessity for a holistic strategy to handle the challenges going through the correctional service, introduced plans to enhance the welfare of correctional officers.
This, he mentioned, included the supply of higher coaching, tools, and residing situations.
Tunji-Ojo additionally spoke on the problem of awaiting trial inmates, which he mentioned was a serious contributor to jail congestion.
He introduced plans to relocate inmates who had dedicated federal offenses to much less populated correctional centres.
“There are some correctional centres which might be densely populated or overcrowded.
“So can we critically look and analyse each correctional centre and take a look at people who have dedicated federal offenses and transfer them to areas which might be much less populated.
“Because it’s going to shock you, there are correctional centres with about 30 per cent or 40 per cent occupation charge.
“And there are some with about 200 per cent. So how can we take a look at it? There are short-term good points that we will do proper now.
“A situation the place we have now 65 per cent inmates awaiting trial, it signifies that the important thing to our decongestion is to deal with the problem of awaiting trial.
“And once more, it’s additionally necessary for us to essentially give the eye to non-custodial measures.
“We need to redefine ourselves, because we’ve got to the point where our mantra should be enough is enough,” he mentioned.
The minister mentioned that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had authorized the institution of a National Paramilitary Academy to coach correctional officers.
Tunji-Ojo assured that the federal government would supply the mandatory help to make sure the success of the reform efforts.
In her welcome handle, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, expressed gratitude to the Minister of Interior for his dedication to justice, transparency, and reforms within the NCoS.
Ajani, who doubled because the Chairman of the investigative panel, famous that his presence on the listening to regardless of his tight schedule was a testomony to his dedication to the trigger.
She mentioned that the panel’s mandate was to conduct an impartial, honest, and thorough inquiry into the allegations and make suggestions that may guarantee accountability and strengthen the correctional system.
She revealed that the primary public listening to had uncovered critical issues concerning the remedy of individuals in custody, mismanagement of correctional amenities, and breaches of authorized and moral requirements.
Ajani emphasised the significance of the panel’s work, stating that the findings and suggestions from the inquiry would function a basis for significant reform.
This, she mentioned, could be sustainable and make sure that the NCoS capabilities with integrity, professionalism, and respect for human dignity.
Ajani urged all stakeholders to strategy the method with openness, braveness, and a shared dedication to the reality, including that the panel was dedicated to making sure that the voices of the Nigerian folks have been heard.
The chairman appreciated the help of key companions, together with the National Human Rights Coalition, UNICEF, International IDEA, Civil Society Groups, Prison fellowships, and people devoted to justice and correctional reform.
She mentioned that the collective resolve to uphold the rule of regulation and shield elementary human rights inside correctional establishments was an important step in the direction of creating a good and simply society.
In his remarks, the NCoS’ Acting Controller General, Sylvester Nwakuche, assured the investigative panel of transparency and cooperation in its investigation into alleged irregularities within the service.
Nwakuche assured the panel that the NCoS would supply all vital info and help to make sure a profitable investigation, including that the service had nothing to cover.
He urged members of employees and invited company to open up and contribute to the panel, stressing that their inputs could be invaluable in shaping the way forward for the NCoS. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bayo Sekoni