Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has called for greater use of technology and effective inmate classification to improve rehabilitation and correctional services across Nigeria’s custodial centres.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement on correctional reforms, the minister said modern technology and proper classification of inmates are critical to transforming prisons from detention facilities into centres for rehabilitation, skills development and reintegration into society.
Tunji-Ojo stressed that separating inmates based on factors such as the nature of their offences, age, security risk and rehabilitation needs would enable correctional authorities to provide more targeted education, vocational training and counselling programmes. He noted that housing all inmates under the same conditions undermines rehabilitation efforts and increases security challenges.
The minister also highlighted the importance of deploying digital technologies to enhance prison management, improve record-keeping, strengthen security and monitor inmate welfare. According to him, technology-driven systems would increase transparency, reduce administrative bottlenecks and support more efficient correctional operations.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to reforming the Nigerian Correctional Service through investments in infrastructure, staff capacity development and partnerships with relevant stakeholders. Tunji-Ojo said the goal is to ensure that inmates leave correctional facilities better equipped to reintegrate into society and contribute positively to national development.
He urged stakeholders to support ongoing reforms, emphasizing that successful rehabilitation is essential to reducing recidivism, improving public safety and building a more effective justice system in Nigeria.
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