FG approves recruitment of 150 Medical personnel for correctional centres

The Federal Government has approved the employment of 50 doctors and 100 nurses to address the shortage of medical personnel in correctional centres across the country. This move aims to enhance healthcare services for inmates, ensuring they have access to proper medical treatment.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this in Abuja during a visit by Ali Mohammed Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam , and his management team.

In addition to the recruitment, the Ministry of Interior has secured presidential approval for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to deploy medical doctors to correctional centres during their service year.

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To further bridge the gap in healthcare staffing, the Minister’s media aide, Mr. Alao Babatunde, announced that approval had been granted to extend the service period of existing medical personnel under the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) beyond the retirement age.

This measure, he said is expected to provide short-term relief while new personnel are being recruited.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the recruitment process for doctors and nurses in correctional facilities would be an ongoing exercise to ensure sustained improvement in healthcare delivery within the system.

Providing an update on correctional facility upgrades, the Minister revealed that the renovation of Kuje Correctional Centre had been completed.

He described the transformation as significant, noting improvements in infrastructure, including cells, water supply, and medical facilities.

“It is entirely new, from the cells to the water supply and the hospital. We are ensuring that Mr. President’s magnanimity is felt across all areas,” he said.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing long-term solutions to structural challenges in the correctional system.

Tunji-Ojo also announced plans to establish a paramilitary academy, similar to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). According to him, the proposed institution will train young officers through a structured academic program, equipping them to contribute effectively to national security.

“We need a degree-awarding institution where young people, after gaining admission through the University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), can graduate as well-trained officers,” he stated.

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On visa reforms, the Minister disclosed that all Nigerian visa applications would now be processed online, with approvals or rejections issued within 48 to 72 hours.

Speaking on national security, he highlighted ongoing efforts to sanitize the private security sector.

He revealed that the government is implementing a Guard Management System to automate and enhance regulatory processes.

He attributed the ministry’s achievements to President Tinubu’s support, stating that without his approval, many of these initiatives would not have been possible.

The reforms and interventions, the Minister assured, are aimed at building a more efficient, secure, and sustainable correctional and security system in Nigeria.