By Jamiu Yusuf
ABUJA: The Federal Government has pledged to fast-track trials for inmates awaiting justice while also strengthening rehabilitation programmes to aid their reintegration into society.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the assurance on Wednesday during an unscheduled visit to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja.
He expressed concern that the number of inmates awaiting trial far outweighed those already convicted, stressing that the government was determined to reverse the trend.
“In this facility, just over 200 inmates are convicted, compared to more than 800 still awaiting trial. Many of them have already spent longer in custody than the sentences they might have received if convicted. That is unacceptable,” the minister said.
Tunji-Ojo explained that his ministry was working closely with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to speed up justice delivery and decongest correctional centres nationwide.
“In the weeks ahead, you will see a drastic reduction in the number of awaiting trial inmates. We intend to replicate these inspections across other custodial centres so that all stakeholders can design the right interventions,” he said.
NBA President, Afam Osigwe, who accompanied the minister, said the association was reviewing data of awaiting trial inmates to identify cases where prolonged detention had exceeded likely sentences. “Our aim is to provide legal support for those who should no longer be in custody and help move their cases forward,” he noted.
Beyond justice reforms, the minister also commended inmates for embracing vocational training and academic opportunities provided within the facility, describing them as vital to national reformation efforts.
“I came unannounced to interact directly with inmates, assess their living conditions, and see them in training and education, including through the National Open University. What I saw today is far better than the general perception of custodial centres,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He urged the inmates to remain committed to their training, assuring them that the government sees them not as condemned individuals but as people being prepared for a second chance at life.
“You are here to be corrected and transformed. With the skills and education you acquire, you can leave here empowered to live a self-reliant and productive life,” he said.
Currently, facilitators from the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIoB), in partnership with Chemical and Allied Products Plc (CAP), are conducting a two-week training for inmates.
A CAP trainer, Mr. Gbenga Ogunfolaji, revealed that while 50 inmates were initially expected, 78 enrolled due to overwhelming interest.
Similarly, NIoB facilitator, Mr. Omale Peter, explained that the programme was designed to align with the National Skills Qualification framework, with successful participants set to receive certification.
The minister reaffirmed that both justice reform and inmate rehabilitation would remain central to the government’s correctional strategy, aimed at reducing overcrowding in prisons while equipping inmates with tools for successful reintegration.
