President Tinubu Approves Relocation Of 29 Correctional Centres

President Bola Tinubu has given approval for the relocation of 29 Correctional Centres from urban areas to other locations.

This development was made known on Friday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the unveiling of some operational vehicles and five bullet-resistant guard booths for the Nigerian Correctional Service.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing security and decongesting cities by moving correctional facilities to more suitable locations.

According to him, urbanization has caught up with many of the correctional centres as they were established several years ago.

Naija News reports the Minister listed the custodial centres in Agodi, Ibadan, Ikoyi maximum, Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Suleja as some of those which would be relocated.

“The ongoing expansion of structures of the correctional facilities across the country is part of the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President.

“There are 256 correctional facilities across the country. The Suleja medium security custodial was established as far back as 1914, and urbanisation has caught up with many of the custodial centres.

“So, there are plans to relocate 29 out of the 256 custodial centres in the country. President Bola Tinubu inherited some of these liabilities, and he is not running away from addressing the challenges.

“For instance, the custodial centres in Agodi, Ibadan, Ikoyi maximum, Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Suleja would be relocated because urbanisation has caught up with them.

“We have to solve these problems one by one, and I want to assure you that the process of relocating these correctional centres has already started. We are making progress.

“We are not yet where we need to be, but we are certainly not where we were,” Tunji-Ojo said.