Federal Government has reduced the number of inmates in Nigerian correctional facilities from over 86,000 to approximately 81,450, releasing 4,550 offenders
Gatekeepers News reports that the measure is part of an ongoing strategy to decongest custodial centres and reform the country’s correctional system.
Ozoya Imohimi Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed this while speaking during a meeting with Chinedu Ogah, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions.
Tunji-Ojo explained that the release followed a careful review of cases involving individuals held for minor, bailable offences and others who had been subjected to lengthy pre-trial detention.
According to him, the initiative forms part of broader correctional reforms aimed at bringing Nigeria’s practices in line with international standards.
The minister stressed that correctional centres often house some of the most vulnerable individuals, those whose freedoms have been legally restricted, and as such, they must be treated with dignity and fairness.
He said, “ Our correctional centres house some of the most vulnerable people—those whose freedoms have been lawfully restricted. It is our moral and constitutional obligation to treat them with dignity and fairness.”
The minister reiterated the government’s dedication to overhauling the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). He noted that the Tinubu administration is deeply committed to justice, human rights, and the welfare of all citizens, including those behind bars.
Highlighting the government’s broader agenda, the minister stated that the true strength of any administration is measured by how it treats its most disadvantaged members.
He also pledged continued collaboration with the National Assembly to enhance institutional efficiency, ensure accountability, and guarantee that no citizen is neglected, regardless of their status.
Chinedu Ogah, in response, lauded the reforms as consistent with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to reposition Nigeria for sustained development.
He assured that the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions would maintain diligent oversight to support the success of these reforms and to ensure a more humane and just correctional system across the country.
