In a bid to improve healthcare services within Nigeria’s correctional centres, President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 50 doctors and 100 nurses to attend to the medical needs of inmates across the country.
This decision, announced on Thursday, is a part of the government’s broader effort to enhance the well-being of inmates and address long-standing challenges within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
The approval, conveyed through the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, will ensure that each correctional centre is adequately staffed with medical professionals to care for inmates. A statement from the Minister’s spokesman, Babatunde Alao, revealed that this move aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the conditions of the country’s prisons.
In addition to the recruitment of doctors and nurses, the government has also made provisions for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to post medical doctors to correctional centres during their service year. This initiative is in recognition of the need to protect and support some of the most vulnerable members of society—those incarcerated in Nigerian prisons.
The Minister further noted that existing medical staff within the Nigerian Correctional Service will be allowed to extend their service beyond retirement age to address immediate staffing shortages. This temporary measure will ensure that there is no gap in medical service provision while the recruitment process is ongoing.
The efforts to improve the correctional facilities also include the completion of the renovation of the Kuje Correctional Centre. According to Minister Tunji-Ojo, the facility has undergone significant transformation, making it more conducive for inmates and staff. He described the renovation as a comprehensive overhaul, which included upgrades to the cells, water supply systems, and hospital facilities.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that these reforms are part of President Tinubu’s vision for long-term solutions that address both immediate and future needs in the correctional system. “The President’s focus is on building systems that stand the test of time, offering both short-term and long-term solutions to ongoing challenges,” he said.
Additionally, President Tinubu’s administration has received approval for the establishment of a National Paramilitary Academy, which will serve as a degree-awarding institution dedicated to training young Nigerians in paramilitary engagement. This initiative aims to bolster national security by producing properly trained officers who will contribute to the country’s defense and safety.
The Minister also announced improvements in the visa issuance process, with all Nigerian visas now being applied for and processed online, guaranteeing approvals or rejections within 48 to 72 hours.
In a final push for improved security, Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reforming the Private Guard sector. Plans are underway to introduce a Guard Management System to automate processes and better integrate the sector into Nigeria’s overall security framework.
These measures mark a significant step towards enhancing both public safety and the welfare of those within Nigeria’s correctional facilities. The government’s focus on improving infrastructure, medical care, and security is part of an ongoing effort to build a more efficient and sustainable correctional system.
