In a significant move towards enhancing the rehabilitation efforts within Nigeria’s custodial facilities, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, conducted an unscheduled inspection visit to the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abuja on 15th October, 2025. Accompanied by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the visit was centered on assessing the ongoing rehabilitation programs and the overall state of the facility.
The inspection provided the Minister and NBA President with an opportunity to witness firsthand the progressive initiatives aimed at transforming the lives of inmates. The delegation toured key sections of the Centre, including vocational training workshops, educational classrooms, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) units, all designed to equip inmates with essential skills for their reintegration into society.
Hon. Tunji-Ojo commended the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) for fostering a humane environment that prioritized rehabilitation. He stressed the importance of regular inspections to maintain transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in custodial management. The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing inmate welfare and ensuring that rehabilitation efforts align with international best practices.
Speaking during the visit, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, praised the collaboration between the Ministry of Interior, the NCoS, and the NBA in advancing inmate rehabilitation programs. He highlighted the role of access to justice, education, and vocational training in reducing recidivism and facilitating the reintegration of offenders into society. Osigwe also reiterated the NBA’s continued support for the Centre, pledging to provide educational materials and other resources to enhance the impact of the rehabilitation programs.
The Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, expressed his appreciation for the visit, describing it as an important source of motivation for both custodial officers and inmates. He assured the dignitaries that the NCoS remains fully committed to its mandate of offender reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration, ensuring that international standards are upheld in all custodial facilities.
The inspection concluded with a comprehensive tour of several key facilities within the Centre, including the water production unit, drug manufacturing area, and the perimeter security walls. Both the Minister and the NBA President also held an interactive session with inmates, encouraged them to remain focused on personal development and transformation as they prepare for reintegration into society.
This visit served as a reminder of the vital role rehabilitation played in Nigeria’s correctional system and underscores the importance of continued collaboration between government agencies, legal bodies, and other stakeholders in achieving meaningful reform.
