The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has pledged to eliminate corruption in correctional centres and shift their focus from punishment to rehabilitation.

Tunji-Ojo made this commitment on Wednesday in Abuja during the second public hearing on alleged corruption and other violations within the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).

He emphasized that the government is determined to transform correctional facilities into models for rehabilitation and reintegration, rather than mere detention centres plagued by abuse and neglect.

“The core responsibility of a correctional officer is to be an agent of rehabilitation, restoration, reformation, and correction not condemnation,” he stated.

The minister highlighted that the current administration, under President Bola Tinubu, is committed to ensuring that correctional officers receive adequate training and resources to effectively rehabilitate inmates.

He outlined a holistic approach to reform, including access to education, vocational training, and mental health services for inmates. Additionally, he stressed that correctional facilities must be safe, humane, and focused on reintegration into society.

“My responsibility is to move those benefiting from corruption in the system to the path of perpetual unhappiness,” Tunji-Ojo declared, adding that leadership is about guiding institutions toward meaningful change.

He urged the investigative committee to thoroughly examine allegations of corruption, abuse, and neglect in the correctional service and make recommendations for lasting reform.