The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional reform with the formal presentation of the report of the Independent Investigative Panel on alleged misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The report was presented at a high-level stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Ministry of Interior, bringing together key actors across government, the justice sector, security agencies, civil society organisations, and development partners.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon. (Dr) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasized that the decision to establish the panel was guided by a deliberate choice to undertake a thorough and honest assessment of the issues, rather than a superficial review. The panel, inaugurated on November 24, 2024, concluded its assignment after 16 months of rigorous investigation, stakeholder engagement, and analysis.
“The work of this panel represents a significant step toward strengthening transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity within our correctional system,” the Minister stated. “We chose to confront the problem directly because we believe that every challenge presents an opportunity for lasting reform.”
The investigation was initiated in response to serious allegations, including corruption, abuse of authority, and human rights violations within correctional facilities. The findings underscore the urgent need to align the operations of the Service with principles of justice, professionalism, and respect for human dignity.
He emphasized that correctional facilities must evolve beyond custodial roles to become centres of reformation, rehabilitation, reintegration, and societal transformation.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo further noted that the outcome of the investigation will guide comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and addressing systemic gaps, including staff welfare and service delivery standards. He called on all relevant stakeholders to support the reform process, stressing that sustainable change within the correctional system requires collective responsibility and a shared commitment to upholding the rule of law and human dignity.
In his remarks, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Honourable Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, commended the Honourable Minister of Interior for his leadership in facilitating this process and for demonstrating a deep awareness of the challenges confronting critical justice institutions. He described the exercise as a milestone in reinforcing public trust and strengthening accountability within the justice system.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding human rights through strengthened institutional frameworks, including the role of the National Human Rights Commission and its oversight mechanisms such as the National Preventive Mechanism. He also noted that the enactment of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, marked a pivotal shift from a punitive system to a modern correctional framework focused on rehabilitation, reintegration, and respect for human dignity.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary and Chairperson of the Investigative Panel, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, highlighted the importance of the engagement as a platform for dialogue, reflection, and collective ownership of reform outcomes. She stated that the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional reform in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. She further noted that the panel’s work was guided by principles of fairness, independence, and commitment to the public interest.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Director-General, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Aliyu Bagudu Abubakar, Esq.; the Chairman, Conference of Speakers (represented by Mr. Busari Sarafadeen); the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN; and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), represented by Mona Aika. They collectively agreed that the report must serve as a catalyst for decisive and measurable action. The shared resolve is to build a correctional system that is humane, efficient, transparent, and aligned with both national priorities and international human rights standards.
Participants also acknowledged systemic challenges affecting the correctional system, including overcrowding, prolonged pre-trial detention, and gaps in the implementation of legal frameworks. There was broad consensus on the need for sustained, collaborative reforms across institutions. Key recommendations emphasized:
- Expansion of non-custodial measures
- Improved access to justice
- Protection of vulnerable groups, particularly children
- Strengthening of oversight and accountability mechanisms
- Enhanced welfare and working conditions for correctional personnel
The Honourable Minister formally declared the engagement open, urging all stakeholders to approach the process with sincerity, objectivity, and a shared commitment to reform.
E-Signed
Mary Ali (Mrs)
Head, Press and Public Relations
Ministry of Interior
