The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, announced on Friday that starting from January 1st, 2024, the Federal Government would no longer bear the responsibility of providing meals for inmates in correctional centers across the states of Nigeria.
Aregbesola made this disclosure during a press briefing in Owerri while inaugurating the Nigeria Correctional Service, Imo State command headquarters situated in Avu, Owerri West council area.
He stated that according to a constitutional amendment signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari, the management of correctional centers now falls under concurrent affairs.
Aregbesola emphasized that from the specified date, state governors should collaborate with the state controller general of the correctional service to determine the number of inmates in their respective states and develop plans to cater to their feeding.
Addressing the challenges faced by the corrections system, the Minister highlighted the issue of overcrowding, particularly in urban areas with high population densities and complex social dynamics, resulting in increased crime rates and the need for incarceration.
He reassured that this challenge was being addressed through the construction of six large custodial centers across the country.
The facilities in Kano and Abuja were already completed, and with continued funding, the rest would be finished.
Aregbesola expressed hope that state governments would take advantage of the recent constitutional amendment, which made corrections a concurrent affair.
He pointed out that more than 90 percent of inmates in correctional facilities were state offenders, emphasizing the importance of states investing in corrections.
Furthermore, he stressed the need to reform the criminal justice system, highlighting that the majority of inmates (70 percent) were awaiting trial.
Regarding the misconception about the power to detain or release inmates, the Minister clarified that inmates were brought to the facility through valid court warrants, and their release followed the same process.
Only the President or state governor, exercising the prerogative of mercy, could release convicts.
The primary responsibility of the corrections system was to ensure the safe custody of inmates, protect society, and facilitate their rehabilitation and reintegration upon completion of their sentences.
Discussing educational programs for inmates, Aregbesola highlighted the success of their robust initiatives. Currently, 23 inmates were pursuing postgraduate programs, including one Ph.D., 16 Master’s degrees, and six Post Graduate Diploma programs.
Additionally, 465 inmates were studying various undergraduate degree programs, such as Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Criminology and Security Studies, Political Science, and Law.
The Minister also mentioned that 1,404 inmates took the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), with 634 passing with five credits, including English and Mathematics. Moreover, 4,757 inmates enrolled in adult education programs, and 1,162 successfully graduated.
Vocational education enrollment also witnessed significant progress, with 280 inmates acquiring Trade Test Grades III and II in various trades such as woodwork, welding, shoe-making, barbering, and dressmaking.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state, represented by Deputy Governor Placid Njoku, expressed gratitude to the Minister for renaming prisons as correctional facilities, highlighting the positive impact it would have on reducing stigma.
He also acknowledged the issue of inmate feeding and assured that the state would review its budget to accommodate the necessary provisions. Governor Uzodimma pledged to collaborate with the controller to ensure effective operations in meeting the needs of the correctional facilities.