Ajani Rallies States, Stakeholders for Urgent Overhaul of Nigeria’s Correctional System
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani has called on state governments and key stakeholders to take immediate and practical steps to reform Nigeria’s correctional system, stressing that accountability, humane treatment of inmates, and institutional integrity must be urgently strengthened.
Dr. Ajani made the call during her closing remarks at a high-level stakeholders’ engagement on the report of the Independent Investigative Panel on the Nigerian Correctional Service, where critical issues affecting correctional administration were extensively discussed.
She commended participants for their active engagement, noting that the forum provided an opportunity for “frank, thoughtful, and constructive discussions” on matters central to public trust, social integrity, and human dignity.
According to her, the issues examined by the panel are fundamental to building institutions that uphold the rule of law and effectively serve the Nigerian people.
“The matters addressed are not to be treated lightly, nor ignored, if we are truly committed to building institutions that uphold accountability and protect human dignity,” she stated.
Dr. Ajani explained that the engagement was driven by the need for a fair and impartial review of issues, establishment of facts, and development of practical recommendations aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and institutional integrity.
She emphasized that the reform process is designed to strengthen but not weaken institutions through sustainable and transparent measures.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, she stressed that meaningful and lasting reforms can only be achieved through collective effort, strong political will, and sincerity of purpose among all stakeholders.
Describing the outcome of the engagement as a “call to action,” the Permanent Secretary noted that the true impact of the process would be determined by how effectively the recommendations are implemented.
She disclosed that the next phase involves finalising the report, incorporating stakeholders’ inputs, before presenting it to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunisian Ojo. She added that the report would be made public to promote transparency and encourage broader participation in its implementation.
Dr. Ajani urged State Attorneys-General to take proactive steps in improving correctional facilities, including prioritising access to healthcare, education, sanitation, and clean water for inmates.
She pointed out that the majority of inmates are state offenders, making it imperative for state governments to play a more active role in ensuring humane conditions within correctional centres.
While commending states like Kebbi for proactive interventions, she encouraged others to follow suit, noting that many reforms are achievable with commitment and effective coordination.
She further advised states to adopt correctional centres within their jurisdictions, strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service, and deploy essential personnel such as healthcare workers to improve inmate welfare.
In addition, she called for the development of relevant legal frameworks and stronger oversight mechanisms, including regular facility visits and policy reviews.
Acknowledging the financial implications of establishing state-owned correctional centres, Dr. Ajani recommended collaboration with existing federal structures as a more practical and cost-effective approach.
She stressed the need for honesty and national interest in addressing the challenges facing the system, urging states to include correctional service provisions in their budgets to ensure sustained progress.
“The outcome of this engagement should strengthen our institutions, deepen public trust, and advance justice, accountability, and humane correctional administration in Nigeria,” she said.
