FG warns against rights abuses in Custodial Centres
*Tasks NSCDC on protection of Power infrastructure
*Mulls creation of Paramilitary Academy
FG reaffirms commitment to protecting inmates’ rights
The Federal Government has reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the rights of inmates, cautioning the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) against violating human rights laws. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, issued this warning during the opening of a two-day Performance Contract Signing Retreat in Abuja, emphasizing the need for a united front in ensuring a secure nation and future.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to prioritize securing the nation’s power infrastructure and critical assets. He also encouraged the Civil Defence Correctional Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) to consider establishing a Paramilitary Academy to enhance training and retraining.
The Minister stressed that the Federal Fire Service must expand its scope beyond firefighting to improve rescue efforts. Similarly, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) needs to strengthen migration management and ensure effective border security and control.
Regarding the NCoS, Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized, “For the Nigeria Correctional Service NCoS, I will never defend you when it comes to issues of reputational management and correctional institution development. But as a minister, we will take responsibility and we will be better because you have a critical role to play in the national security architecture.”
He further stated, “Also, the Correctional Service has to be a place of hope, not a place where hopes are truncated.
Obviously, we must change from prisons – a place of incarceration – to correctional service, a place of transformation, rehabilitation. So, whatever you are bringing to me, let it be based on the premise of rehabilitation, corrections, reformation and transformation. If it is not, then it is not what I want to hear.”
Dr. Tunji-Ojo also highlighted the importance of respecting human rights, saying, “Respect for human rights is also very key. Our responsibility in the Correctional Service is to make sure we respect human rights and we treat people with dignity. We serve as the link between the weakest and the strongest in the society. That is very fundamental.”
The Minister commended the progress made by the immigration service in passport reforms and border security but noted that more work is required in migration management. “The immigration has done a lot in passport reforms and I am happy with what they have started today with regards to border security and border control measures. Immigration is coming to life but a lot still needs to be done. There is a lot in migration management that you have to do and also ensure that no person of interest comes into this country and any foreigner in this country can be identified at any point in time.”
He also emphasized the critical role of the Fire Service, saying, “The Fire Service is very critical. It is beyond fire service. There is a lot of rescue technology all over the world.”
Dr. Tunji-Ojo encouraged the NSCDC to protect critical national assets, stating, “For the NSCDC, protecting critical national assets is very important. Vandalism of our power and telecommunications infrastructure as well as solid minerals, I need you to be in charge of critical national assets in line with your mandate and Establishment Act.”
Regarding the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), he said, “You cannot defend people you don’t know. You are the foundation of identity management in Nigeria. Financial inclusion is a function of identity management in Nigeria. Security is a function of identity management and there is a lot to be done in that regard.”
The Minister suggested establishing a Paramilitary Academy, saying, “I think it is time for us to think of a Paramilitary Academy. We have to really think about that. I do not want the paramilitary agencies in Nigeria to just be a place for people who are just desirous of jobs. I want the paramilitary to be a career for a young secondary school student with the aim of going in as a secondary school leaver just the way you go to the Police Academy and Nigeria Defence Academy.
“You build a career across the paramilitary and we catch them young. We mould them and we can train them to our own taste and global best standards.”
Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, described the retreat as “a defining moment and an opportunity to reaffirm our shared mandate of the ministry – providing an environment where everyone is safe.”