Impact of Renewed Hope Agenda on Correctional Service

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Prior to ithe change in nomenclature, the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), appeared to be at the receiving end of the “rot” in the Justice sector, bearing the burnt of delayed trial by the judiciary, and often indiscriminate arrest by security operatives – all of which exacerbated the awaiting trial conundrum. This situation had a consequential effect on the security of prisons,

Overcrowding was apparent, jailbreak was a common denominator; no thanks to dilapidating perimeter fencing, and general infrastructure decay. That was the story of the NPS, which maintained its identity until 2019, when it transmuted to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

Notwithstanding the transition that happened via the establishment (amendment) act of 2019, there seemed to be no noticeable change, as the nation continued to witness jailbreaks, welfare challenges, punitive tendencies, rise in inmates’ population, among other albatrosses that assailed the Service.

It is safe to note that the Nigerian Correctional Service is an offshoot of the 2019 Act, which establishment shifted focus from punishment to rehabilitation and reformation. In the main, t provides for custodial and non-custodial services.

The previous arrangement continued despite allegations of poor feeding of inmates, their conditions, delayed access to justice, dilapidated holding facilities, overcrowding and the like remained a “sore point”in the Justice sector ecosystem.

In the face of the Justice sector reform,  which draws its strength from the Renewed Hope Agenda, there is now a paradigm shift, championed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.indeed, the Minister, who moved from lawmaking to implementation, came prepared; with a hands-on commitment.

Objectively speaking, the development focuses on infrastructural development, rehabilitation of (ex)offenders, and improved welfare of staff, amid upgrading of facilities,skills acquisition and vocational training. The overcrowded state of the 250 plus correctional centres across the country, had further added pressure to the facilities,hence .

To translate intention to reality, Tunji-Ojo initiated moves to raise  N500 million naira to pay fines for inmates, most of whom were awaiting trial. The result was the release of no fewer than four thousand (4000) inmates, with consequential  decongestion in several facilities.

Alas, concerned stakeholders and experts, said it was not only unprecedented, but also  reflected the compassion and people-oriented vision of the President Tinubu-led administration.

Tunji-Ojo, without a doubt, has continued to champion the infrastructure renewal campaign, as seen in the rebuilding of several outdated correctional centres, to bring them at par with what obtain advanced nation’s of the world. In the face of this, comes the digitalisation of record keeping systems in the agency.

This is with a view to making inmate management more effective and efficient, to say the least. His intervention in inmates’ life-after-restriction  found expression in the area of education and skills development, what with the inauguration of the National Open University of Nigeria Special Study Centre at the Abakaliki Correctional Centre.

“The transformation of our correctional facilities is not just about infrastructure; it is about restoring dignity to inmates and ensuring that our officers work in a conducive environment.

“No administration in Nigeria’s history has demonstrated such dedication to the welfare of correctional officers and inmates like this government. Over 50,000 personnel have been promoted in less than two years, and by March, the 2025 promotion list will be announced.

“Some of these facilities were built as far back as 1914. With urbanisation catching up, it is imperative that we relocate them to ensure security and efficiency”, Tunji-Ojo stated.

Records available indicate that over 2,000 inmates are currently pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, with over 200 already graduated. This investment in human capital is consistent with President Tinubu’s broader commitment to education, skills acquisition, and national development.

This, analysts argued, confirm that there is an ongoing engagement with the judiciary and state governments, principally to expedite trial processes, reduce the high number of awaiting-trial inmates (ATIs), with the ultimate goal of expanding non-custodial alternatives for non-violent offenders.

Again, the government seems to be focused on improving the infrastructure of correctional centers, through increased budget allocation for modernization, digitization, and enhanced security systems like CCTV.

The Minister has taken his plan to establish the Nigerian Paramilitary Academy to an advanced level,. When fully operationalised, the Academy will  equip correctional service officers with modern principles and empathy. The Nigerian Correctional Service is also conducting training programmes for its middle-line managers.

At one of the high-level inter-agency meetings held in Abuja, the Minister had declared that: “The future is now. We are committed to building a system that generations yet to come will be proud to call their own. Correctional services are not about condemnation but correction, and this is the path we must follow.

“I’m  passionate about giving inmates, especially children and young adults, a second chance, as I strongly believe that a minor action of a minor should not be a major setback for his future”.

During the official launch of the report on the National Assessment of the situation of Children and Young Adults Deprived of Liberty held recently in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the former parliamentarian assured thus: “The correctional service cannot continue to be a point of disgrace to the Nigerian Government. We will not allow the actions of a few to destroy the integrity of the generality of the institution”.

Available statistics indicate a five per cent reduction in the congestion rate across holding facilities, even as infrastructure renewal and renovation of the centres stand at ten per cent.

Also, the government has achieved a near one hundred per cent in increased feeding allocation, with the nutritional values required to make the inmates retain their humanity.

Stakeholders and experts alike have urged the government to sustain ongoing reform efforts, especially in the area of intelligence sharing, interagency collaboration and synergy, as well as capacity building for personnel of the Service.

Even more compelling is the need for the recovery of buffer zones, many of which had been encroached upon, as a consequence of population growth and urbanisation challenges.

The issue of congestion remains fundamental in the Justice sector ecosystem, as the inmate population has continued to oscillate between 80, 000 and 84, 000. More worrying is the fact that awaiting-trial persons constitute the bulk of the figure in consideration.

Concerns have been raised about poor sanitation in some facilities, thereby posing danger to the health and well-being of both staff, and inmates.

While acknowledging  the fact that dozens of officials had been meted sanctions, including dismissal, for acts of misconduct, investigation has shown that the Service still contends with issues bordering on corruption.