The Minister of Interior has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing pressing issues within the nation’s correctional system, with a specific focus on the alarming number of children in correctional centres and the broader goal of reforming Nigeria’s justice system.

The commitment was made at a high level Inter-agency meeting held in Abuja to address the urgent issue of children deprived of liberty in correctional facilities

A statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ozoya Imohimi on Wednesday said that the Minister emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in governance, stating,
“Reality, as I always say, is not about losing ourselves in the past but focusing on the present to shape the future. The future is now, and we are determined to operate with a ‘business unusual’ mindset to drive real change.”

The Minister of Interior, expressed concern over the presence of children in correctional centres, highlighting it as a violation of laws requiring their placement in borstal institutions.

He acknowledged the lack of adequate facilities and called for urgent action and penalties to address these legal and institutional gaps.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo, outlined key reforms to transform correctional centres into centres for reformation and rehabilitation. He announced the establishment of a Nigerian Paramilitary Academy to train officers in empathy and correctional principles.

According to Dr. Tunji-Ojo, emphasis will also be placed on non-custodial measures for non-violent offenders to reduce pre-trial detentions.

The Minister highlighted the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration to tackle juvenile detention and called for active participation from state governments, as correctional services require a federation-wide approach.

https://independent.ng/fg-commits-to-reforming-child-justice-system-correctional-service/