Nigeria's President Approves Relocation of 29 Correctional Centres for Enhanced Security

Nigeria's President Approves Relocation of 29 Correctional Centres for Enhanced Security

President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for the relocation of 29 correctional centres, commonly known as prisons, from urban areas across Nigeria. 

This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the unveiling of new operational vehicles for the Nigerian Correctional Service on February 21.

In July, Tunji-Ojo had highlighted the government's intention to move these facilities due to the encroachment of urbanization, which has significantly diminished the necessary buffer zones around them. He cited the Suleja and Ikoyi Correctional Centres as prime examples of this issue.

Tunji-Ojo expressed concern over the Ikoyi facility's current location, noting that it lacks an adequate buffer zone, as mandated by law, making it a potential security threat.

 “You can see the magistrate court here, a church there, residential buildings, and many commercial structures nearby,” he stated.