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The Federal Government plans to reduce Nigeria’s 256 prisons, citing inefficiencies and overcrowding. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, proposed redistributing inmates and reforming correctional facilities to focus on rehabilitation. He also called for humane treatment of prisoners and psychological evaluations for correctional officers to prevent abuse.

The Federal Government has announced plans to reduce Nigeria’s 256 custodial facilities, citing inefficiencies in their management. According to Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, some prisons operate at only 30–40% capacity, while others are severely overcrowded. The government aims to redistribute inmates, especially those convicted of federal crimes, to balance population levels across facilities.

Speaking at a public hearing on alleged corruption and human rights abuses within the Nigerian Correctional Service, Tunji-Ojo emphasized the need for humane treatment of inmates. He stressed that rehabilitation should replace mere incarceration and called for psychological evaluations of correctional officers to ensure fair treatment of prisoners.

The minister reiterated that the government’s effectiveness is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. He condemned inhumane practices, stating that inmates deserve dignity regardless of their crimes. Tunji-Ojo also warned that some officers’ frustrations could lead to mistreatment of prisoners, highlighting the urgent need for reforms.

Beyond infrastructure improvements, the government seeks to reshape correctional centers into spaces of rehabilitation rather than condemnation. The plan includes reviewing the necessity of all existing facilities and optimizing them for efficiency and fairness.

With these proposed changes, Nigeria’s correctional system is set for significant transformation, shifting from punitive measures to a more reformative and humane approach.