In a move to improve healthcare for inmates, President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 50 medical doctors and 100 nurses for hospitals across Nigeria’s correctional centres. The decision comes amid concerns over the shortage of medical personnel in several facilities.
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo revealed the approval in Abuja while hosting the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. He explained that some correctional centres currently lack adequate medical staff, noting that one facility in Rivers State has no resident doctor despite the presence of medical infrastructure.
According to Tunji-Ojo, some correctional hospitals, including the one in Kuje, are equipped to handle major surgeries, making the recruitment of qualified personnel essential. He stressed that the president’s decision reflects a commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians, including inmates.
The minister also highlighted ongoing reforms within the correctional system, including skills training programmes for inmates through a “train-the-trainer” initiative. The programme identifies inmates with existing skills and empowers them to train others, helping prepare them for productive lives after release.
He added that the government has also increased inmates’ feeding allowance by 50 per cent, part of broader efforts to improve conditions in correctional facilities.
Tunji-Ojo called for stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Information to better communicate the ministry’s reforms and achievements to Nigerians. He also noted progress in security initiatives such as the “mine marshals” programme, created with the Ministry of Solid Minerals to protect mining sites and reduce criminal activity.
Responding, Information Minister Mohammed Idris pledged to strengthen communication between the government and citizens, promising that reforms and initiatives across the Interior Ministry would be effectively shared with the public.
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