FG Pushes Correctional Reforms, Digital Border Security, Financial Accountability
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to overhauling Nigeria’s correctional system, strengthening border control through technology, and enhancing financial integrity across public institutions, as part of broader efforts to improve governance and national security.
The reaffirmation according to a press statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Interior, Mary Ali by the Minister while speaking during a courtesy visit by the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Haruna Yahaya, to his office in Abuja, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo emphasised the need to transform the correctional system from mere detention to rehabilitation and reintegration.
“Government has a duty of care to its citizens. Even where freedom is restricted by law, we must ensure that those in our custody are treated with dignity and given the opportunity to return to society better than they came,” he said.
The minister noted that the transition to the Nigerian Correctional Service Act represents a deliberate shift toward reform-oriented corrections, aimed at preparing inmates for productive reintegration into society.
On border security, Tunji-Ojo revealed that the Correctional Information Management System (CIMS) now contains over 50 million records from operations at seaports and airports, with plans underway to integrate land borders into the system.
“We are building systems that can stop problems before they happen, not just respond after the damage is done,” he stated.
He stressed that modern security architecture must prioritise prevention, noting that digital tools are critical in identifying irregularities and preventing unauthorised entry into the country.
Addressing financial accountability, the minister underscored the importance of strengthening internal control systems within government institutions, beyond traditional audit processes.
“It is not enough to detect issues after they occur. The real goal is to put systems in place that make such issues difficult to happen in the first place,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo also called for deeper collaboration between government and professional bodies like ICAN to enhance transparency, revenue assurance, and institutional efficiency.
On infrastructure, he highlighted the need to expand fire and rescue services nationwide, suggesting innovative funding models, including public-private partnerships, to achieve broader coverage.
He further congratulated ICAN on its upcoming West Africa Accountants Conference scheduled for December 2026, pledging government support and commending the growing role of women in professional leadership.
Earlier, ICAN President Haruna Yahaya lauded the ministry’s reform initiatives and proposed the creation of a Joint ICAN–Ministry Financial Integrity and Revenue Assurance Task Force.
According to him, the proposed task force would focus on critical areas such as revenue assessment within the Nigeria Immigration Service, payroll analysis across uniformed services, and procurement risk review to curb leakages and strengthen accountability.
