The federal government has said that correctional centres will henceforth play a more strategic role in Nigeria’s national security architecture as part of ongooing reforms aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering, improving inmate rehabilitation and enhancing service delivery.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this during the passing-out parade of participants of the 34th Assistant Superintendent of Corrections (ASC) Basic Course International at the Correctional Service Staff College, Barnawa, Kaduna.
Represented by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, Brig.-Gen. Abdulaziz Jibrin (rtd), the minister said the reforms place strong emphasis on discipline, professionalism and enhanced institutional performance across the nation’s paramilitary services.
He said the ministry had commenced the implementation of the Performance Management System (PMS) across all paramilitary agencies to promote efficiency, strengthen accountability and improve operational effectiveness.
According to him, the six-month course, which covered custodial and non-custodial correctional procedures, was designed to equip officers with the knowledge and skills needed to support Nigeria’s security architecture.
Tunji-Ojo said correctional centres are vital sources of intelligence that can contribute significantly to national security when properly harnessed.
“Correctional centres are important institutions where valuable intelligence can be gathered, processed and utilised to strengthen the country’s security architecture,” he said.
He added that the newly trained officers were expected to uphold integrity, professionalism and national values in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act and the Public Service Rules.
Also speaking, the Gambian Minister of Interior, represented by the Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr. Iamen Jatta, thanked the Nigerian government for granting scholarships to 10 Gambian prison officers who participated in the programme.
Jatta said The Gambia chose Nigeria because of its successful correctional reforms and intends to adopt aspects of the Nigerian model as it undertakes reforms in its own prison system.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani , represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Internal Security, Mr. Sule Shuaibu, said the training would enhance the competence of the graduating officers and improve the security of correctional facilities across the country.
He reiterated the state’s commitment to working with security agencies and supporting ongoing correctional reforms, including the granting of clemency to deserving inmates.