Abuja, Nigeria —Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, inaugurated the Investigative Panel on Nigerian Correctional Service corruption’s second hearing today.
Addressing attendees, he stressed justice and reform, urging systemic changes to combat overcrowding and corruption through transparency and accountability.
Transitioning to solutions, he highlighted the need for swift action, noting overcrowding undermines rehabilitation.
Finally, he called for collaborative efforts to rebuild public trust in correctional institutions.
The House Committee launched the hearing to boost transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s Correctional Service.
This follows reports of inmate mistreatment and operational failures exposed during the panel’s first session.
Emphasizing reform, Dr. Tunji-Ojo stressed the government’s resolve to overhaul the system, ensuring integrity and compliance with global standards.
He affirmed plans to modernize facilities and strengthen oversight, addressing gaps undermining public trust.
Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, addressed the panel, reaffirming its mandate to uphold accountability and protect dignity within correctional systems.
She underscored the panel’s vital role in strengthening institutional frameworks and tackling human rights violations and systemic inefficiencies.
The panel will investigate corruption and mismanagement claims, propose reforms to improve inmate welfare, and ensure prisons meet established standards.
Following the review, the government vows swift action on findings to rebuild public trust in correctional systems
Stakeholders, including civil society organizations and human rights advocates, are closely monitoring the hearings and urgently demanding comprehensive reforms.
These measures aim to tackle overcrowding, poor sanitation, and systemic neglect plaguing Nigeria’s correctional facilities.
Advocates stress that swift action is critical to safeguarding detainees’ rights and restoring public trust.