The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed that it spends at least N1 million annually on each inmate in correctional facilities across the country. This statement was released by the Media Adviser to the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, Sola Fasure, in Abuja on Saturday.
Aregbesola made this known while commissioning a 20-bed COVID-19 Crisis Intervention Fund Hospital and Equipment at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port Harcourt. According to the Minister, the project will be a lasting legacy and a testament to the Nigerian government’s profound commitment to the welfare of its inmates and correctional staff.
The minister also pointed out that the government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari had made efforts to address the problem of inmates contracting diseases such as tuberculosis and scabies in custody centres. Aregbesola emphasized that medical care for inmates is not only available within the facility but also beyond the correctional centres. This measure is part of the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens.
Aregbesola further elucidated the challenges of running a correctional facility, describing it as enormous, especially regarding the welfare of the inmates and the demands for infrastructure and equipment. Nevertheless, the Minister assured Nigerians that the government had put long-term solutions in place to address these difficulties.
The Minister specifically pointed out that the Port Harcourt centre’s current capacity was designed for 1,800 inmates but, unfortunately, had to accommodate approximately 3,067 people. This scenario is replicated in most urban custodial centres throughout Nigeria, leading to congestion and overstretched facilities and personnel. He, however, assured the Nigerian populace of the government’s continued commitment to create lasting solutions to these challenges.
In conclusion, the Minister re-emphasized the importance of the new hospital, noting that the Centre will go a long way in addressing the medical concerns of inmates and correctional service personnel. The Commissioning of the 20-bed COVID-19 Crisis Intervention Fund Hospital and Equipment is one of the Government’s initiatives to align with its reform programs for Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), which will translate to security, peace, and tranquillity in and around the correctional centres and the entire country.
