The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional reform with the 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 Federal Ministry of Interior, bringing together representatives from government institutions, the justice sector, security agencies, civil society organisations, and development partners to review findings and outline a reform agenda.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the establishment of the panel underscored the government’s resolve to undertake a thorough and transparent assessment of challenges within the correctional system.
According to him, the panel, inaugurated on November 24, 2024, concluded its work after 16 months of investigations, stakeholder consultations, and detailed analysis.
“The work of this panel represents a significant step toward strengthening transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity within our correctional system,” he said, noting that confronting systemic challenges directly would create opportunities for sustainable reform.
The investigation followed allegations of corruption, abuse of authority, and human rights violations in some correctional facilities. Tunji-Ojo stated that the findings underscored the need to align operations with principles of justice, professionalism, and respect for human dignity.
He stressed that correctional facilities must evolve beyond custodial functions to serve as centres for rehabilitation, reintegration, and societal transformation, adding that the report would guide reforms aimed at improving institutional capacity, staff welfare, and service delivery.
The minister called on stakeholders to support the reform process, emphasising that meaningful change requires collective commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights.
In his remarks, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, commended the initiative, describing it as a milestone in strengthening accountability and restoring public confidence in the justice system.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to human rights protection through stronger institutional frameworks, including the National Human Rights Commission and oversight mechanisms such as the National Preventive Mechanism.
Fagbemi also highlighted the significance of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019, noting that it marked a transition from a punitive prison structure to a modern correctional system focused on rehabilitation and reintegration.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior and Chairperson of the panel, Magdalene Ajani, described the engagement as a platform for dialogue, reflection, and shared ownership of the reform process.
She said the initiative aligns with the government’s reform agenda and was guided by principles of fairness, independence, and public interest.
Goodwill messages were delivered by stakeholders including the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Aliyu Bagudu Abubakar; a representative of the Conference of Speakers, Busari Sarafadeen; the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe; and the UNICEF.
They collectively urged that the panel’s findings be translated into concrete actions to build a correctional system that is humane, transparent, and aligned with both national priorities and international human rights standards.
Participants also identified persistent challenges, including overcrowding, prolonged pre-trial detention, and gaps in the implementation of existing legal frameworks.
There was broad consensus on the need for sustained, collaborative reforms, with key recommendations focusing on expanding non-custodial measures, improving access to justice, strengthening oversight, protecting vulnerable groups such as children, and enhancing welfare and working conditions for correctional personnel.
The minister formally declared the engagement open, urging stakeholders to approach the reform process with objectivity and a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s correctional system.
