The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional reform with the formal presentation of the report of the Independent Investigative Panel on alleged misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The report was unveiled at a high-level stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Ministry of Interior, bringing together key actors across government, the justice sector, security agencies, civil society organisations, and development partners.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the establishment of the panel reflected the government’s resolve to undertake a thorough and honest assessment of challenges within the correctional system. The panel, inaugurated on November 24, 2024, concluded its assignment after 16 months of investigation, stakeholder consultations, and analysis.
Tunji-Ojo noted that the panel’s work marked a critical step toward strengthening transparency and institutional integrity, stressing that the government deliberately chose a comprehensive review over a superficial approach.
The investigation was initiated following serious allegations, including corruption, abuse of authority, and human rights violations within correctional facilities. Its findings highlighted the need to align operations with principles of justice, professionalism, and respect for human dignity.
The minister emphasized that correctional facilities must evolve beyond mere custodial centres into institutions focused on reformation, rehabilitation, reintegration, and broader societal transformation.
He added that the report would guide wide-ranging reforms aimed at addressing systemic gaps, enhancing staff welfare, and improving service delivery, while calling on stakeholders to support the reform process.
Also speaking, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, commended the Interior Ministry for its leadership, describing the initiative as a milestone in strengthening accountability and public trust within the justice system.
Fagbemi reiterated the government’s commitment to human rights protection through strengthened institutional frameworks, highlighting the role of the National Human Rights Commission and the National Preventive Mechanism. He noted that the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, signaled a shift from a punitive system to a modern correctional framework focused on rehabilitation and reintegration.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and Chairperson of the panel, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, described the engagement as a platform for dialogue and collective ownership of reform outcomes. She said the exercise reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency under its Renewed Hope Agenda.
Goodwill messages from stakeholders, including the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, the Nigerian Bar Association, and UNICEF, emphasized the need for the report to translate into concrete and measurable reforms.
Participants identified key challenges within the correctional system, such as overcrowding, prolonged pre-trial detention, and gaps in implementing legal frameworks. They also called for expanded non-custodial measures, improved access to justice, protection of vulnerable groups, stronger oversight mechanisms, and better welfare for correctional personnel.
The minister formally declared the engagement open, urged all stakeholders to approach the reform process with sincerity and a shared commitment to building a humane, efficient, and transparent correctional system.
