Nigeria’s federal government has approved the immediate employment of 150 medical personnel—50 doctors and 100 nurses—to address critical shortages in the nation’s correctional centres’ hospitals. Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the plan on Tuesday, following a courtesy visit from the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in Abuja.
The approval by President Bola Tinubu responds to a significant dearth of healthcare professionals within the prison system. Minister Tunji-Ojo cited specific cases, noting that the correctional centre hospital in Rivers State currently operates without a single medical doctor. He highlighted that facilities like Kuje Correctional Centre possess equipment capable of performing major surgeries, underscoring the mismatch between infrastructure and staffing.
“The President understands that he is the President of all Nigerians, including those inmates. And as father to all, he has always shown that he cares,” Tunji-Ojo stated, framing the intervention as part of a compassionate governance approach.
Beyond healthcare, the minister detailed parallel rehabilitation initiatives. The government has implemented “train-the-trainer” programmes and conducted skills audits for inmates to identify existing competencies. Selected individuals are then empowered to train others, with graduates receiving resources to foster post-release economic activity.
Additionally, President Tinubu recently increased the inmate feeding allowance by 50 per cent, a move the minister described as part of efforts to “sanitise” conditions in correctional facilities.
Tunji-Ojo urged the Ministry of Information to amplify these reforms, requesting a partnership to develop a coordinated national communication strategy. He pointed to the creation of “mine marshals” through collaboration between the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Ministry of Solid Minerals as a model. This initiative has reduced criminality and violence in mining areas while protecting critical national assets.
In response, Information Minister Mohammed Idris pledged to enhance public communication of the Interior Ministry’s achievements. “Our job is to ensure that whatever we do, whatever the administration does, the Nigerian public hears it and aligns with it,” he said, committing his ministry to a more robust dissemination of government reforms.
The recruitment of medical staff represents a targeted step to improve healthcare access within Nigeria’s correctional system, complementing broader efforts in inmate rehabilitation and institutional security. Observers note that sustained investment in prison health and rehabilitation is integral to reducing recidivism and upholding constitutional obligations to all citizens, including those incarcerated. The collaboration between ministries signals an intent to integrate welfare and security narratives within the federal government’s public communications strategy.
