The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced that the Federal Government has initiated an audit of inmates across the 256 Custodial Centres in the country as part of efforts to decongest the facilities. According to a statement released by the Minister’s Media Assistant, Alao Babatunde, Tunji-Ojo made this disclosure after inspecting the ongoing construction of a 3,000-capacity Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Janguza, Kano State, and the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja.

The audit exercise, aimed at addressing overcrowding in correctional facilities, mirrors a similar initiative previously conducted by the Federal Government in correctional centres nationwide. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the empirical and scientific approach being employed in conducting the audit. He stated that the audit process is based on gathering data to understand the root causes of issues before devising appropriate solutions.

During his inspection of the facilities, the Minister emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making in addressing challenges. He underscored the significance of the audit in facilitating the decongestion of Custodial Centres, emphasizing that simply aiming for decongestion without understanding the underlying issues is insufficient. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the crucial role of data in modern governance, likening it to the essence of life in the current era.

Tunji-Ojo expressed confidence that the audit would lead to significant decongestion of Custodial Centres once completed. He emphasized the importance of an empirical approach in conducting the audit, indicating that it would provide valuable insights into the status of correctional facilities across the country. The Minister reiterated the government's commitment to data-driven decision-making and effective governance.

During his visit to the Kuje facility, Tunji-Ojo received a gift of three books authored by one of the inmates, who had been incarcerated for 12 years. This gesture highlighted the potential for rehabilitation and skill development within correctional centres, further underscoring the importance of addressing overcrowding and improving conditions within these facilities.

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