President Tinubu Approves Relocation Of 29 Prisons From Urban Centers

President Bola Tinubu has approved the relocation of 29 correctional centers, commonly known as prisons, from densely populated urban areas across Nigeria.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this decision on February 21 while unveiling new operational vehicles for the Nigerian Correctional Service.

He explained that the move was necessary due to rapid urbanization, which has reduced the space meant to serve as a safety buffer around these facilities.

Tunji-Ojo pointed to the Suleja and Ikoyi Correctional Centers as prime examples.

Speaking on the Ikoyi prison, Tunji-Ojo stressed that its current location poses a security risk.

He noted that the prison is surrounded by a magistrate court, a church, residential buildings, and commercial structures, making it unsafe and unsuitable.

He said, “Of course, you can see the magistrate court here, a church there, residential buildings, and a lot of commercial structures around.

“The government is looking into how we can perhaps relocate some of these correctional centres, with Ikoyi being very key.

“Do not forget that the law says you need a buffer zone of about 100 meters. As you can see, the buffer zone here is almost zero. This is a law-abiding government, and we will explore all avenues to ensure we do what is legally right,”

The Suleja Correctional Center also faces similar challenges, as it is situated just seven meters from the nearest residential building.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the administration aims to transform correctional facilities into centers of education and rehabilitation.

The minister, however, noted that achieving this goal is difficult in overcrowded urban locations, which is why relocation has become a priority.

KanyiDaily recalls that President Bola Tinubu recently approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare professionals in Nigeria, raising it from 60 to 65 years.