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Tinubu Approves Relocation Of 29 Custodial Centres

Published

6 months ago

February 21, 2025

President Bola Tinubu has approved the relocation of 29 correctional centres across the country as part of ongoing efforts to modernise the nation’s custodial facilities.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, confirmed this development during the commissioning of 39 newly acquired vehicles and five bullet-resistant guard booths for the Nigerian Correctional Service in Abuja on Friday.

Tunji-Ojo highlighted that many of the existing correctional facilities, such as those in Suleja and Ikoyi, were established in the 19th century and are outdated.

“Suleja Correctional Centre was established in 1914, Ikoyi in 1956, and we even have facilities from the 19th century. We cannot continue to work with such outdated infrastructure.

“The President has graciously approved for us to start the process of relocating 29 correctional centres,” he stated.

The minister emphasised the urgent need for modernisation to improve conditions for both correctional officers and inmates, noting that the relocation is part of a larger plan to address the infrastructural challenges hindering the effectiveness of the correctional system.

He also reassured the public of the government’s commitment to reform, saying, “We have to solve these problems one by one, and I want to assure you that the process of relocating these correctional centres has already started.”

Tunji-Ojo further noted that this move is essential for creating a more effective and rehabilitative correctional system, as the current facilities no longer meet modern standards.

The minister also spoke about ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of correctional officers.

“We are making progress. We are not yet where we need to be, but we are certainly not where we were,” he stated, referencing significant
improvements in officer promotions and welfare.

He added that relocating the correctional centres would further enhance the government’s broader reform agenda, which includes better conditions for both inmates and officers.

The minister highlighted the significant improvements made under President Tinubu’s administration regarding the welfare of correctional officers.

He explained that in the past two years, more than “50,000 paramilitary officers have been promoted,” addressing long-standing issues in the promotion system.

He added that, for the first time in history, the promotion system within the service had undergone a complete overhaul, with officers now experiencing timely career progression.

Tunji-Ojo also spoke about the broader vision for the future of Nigeria’s paramilitary and correctional services. “We are building a system where the paramilitary will be at the centre of internal security in Nigeria. This is a function of capacity, and capacity is a function of knowledge acquisition,” he explained.

He emphasised the importance of professionalising correctional services, noting that recruitment practices should be rigorous and in line with international standards.

“We are encouraging our officers and ensuring that they are properly trained. But beyond that, we must ensure that the correctional system is not just about punishment but also about rehabilitation and transformation,” the minister added.

In his address, the Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, expressed his enthusiasm for the new acquisitions, which include specialised vehicles for transporting inmates to and from courts.

The vehicles will be distributed to various commands based on operational needs and demand.

In addition to the escort vehicles, the NCoS also unveiled five bullet-resistant guard booths.

These booths, stationed at strategic locations, including the National Headquarters in Abuja and several high-security custodial centres in Kuje, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Lagos, are designed to secure facilities against external attacks.

Equipped with long-range surveillance capabilities, the booths offer resistance to high-level threats, including heavy weaponry and explosives.

“The acquisition of these vehicles directly responds to the evolving challenges faced by the NCoS, particularly in ensuring the timely production of inmates in courts. As clearly outlined in the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, one of our core functions is the ‘conveyance of remand persons to and from courts in motorised formations.’

“These new additions to our fleet will significantly bolster our capacity to meet this critical aspect of our mandate,” Nwakuche added.

Nwakuche also highlighted the significance of the new fleet in addressing the growing issue of Awaiting Trial Persons in custody. As of February 17, 2025, the NCoS reported a total inmate population of 80,066, with 66 per cent being pretrial detainees.

“With this strengthened fleet, we are poised to improve court attendance, thus playing our part in the swift administration of justice and contributing to the overall decongestion of our correctional facilities.

“This development aligns perfectly with the broader vision of the Federal Government to reposition the Nigerian Correctional Service for enhanced efficiency, professionalism, and compliance with international best practices,” he said.

The Acting Controller-General also extended his appreciation to NCoS officers for their professionalism and dedication, urging them to ensure the responsible use and regular maintenance of the new vehicles and guard booths.

“Let us continue to discharge our duties with dedication, integrity, and professionalism. Together, we can build a correctional system that reflects the values of justice, security, and humanity,” he concluded.

News

PHOTOS: Brazil Welcomes Tinubu With Full Military Honours In Brasília

Published

9 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

Brazil on Monday rolled out full military honours at the Planalto Palace in Brasília to receive President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this on X on Monday.

Onanuga said Tinubu was welcomed by his host, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

He wrote, “More photos of the official reception for President Tinubu at the Planalto Palace in Brasília, Monday, August 25, 2025. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed President Bola Tinubu with full military honours.”

News

Tinubu Signs Direct Flight, Other Agreements With Brazil

Published

9 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Brazil, signalling the establishment of direct air links between Nigeria and South America’s largest economy.

The agreement was formalised on Monday during Tinubu’s official state visit to Brasília.

Media aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood, made this known through a statement, made available to The PUNCH.

At the signing ceremony which was witnessed by Messrs Nigerian President, Tinubu and the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia also had the Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, also signed for the host country.

The BASA creates a new framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, with the potential to significantly enhance trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations.

The statement further noted that, “ It also marks a key step in Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships and improve global connectivity.”

Tinubu had arrived in Brazil with a delegation that included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and other senior government officials.

According to the statement, the Brazilian President welcomed the agreement, expressing his administration’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He described the BASA as a reflection of the strong ties between both countries and an opportunity to deepen economic and cultural collaboration.

Tinubu is also scheduled to hold meetings with key Brazilian government officials, including the President of the Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

The two-day visit will include high-level discussions between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, as both nations explore opportunities for mutual growth and development.

The statement reads, “The ongoing state visit will also see President Tinubu meeting the President of the Brazilian Senate at the National Congress, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

“The working visit, which continues tomorrow, will also feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, underscoring both nations’ commitment to building a future of mutual growth and prosperity.”

News

NAFDAC Warns Of Fake Postinor-2 In Circulation

Published

10 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Monday issued a public alert, warning the public about confirmed counterfeit batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg) now circulating in Nigeria.

The alert follows a report from the Society for Family Health, the marketing authorisation holder, confirming that they did not import the suspect batches.

Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) is a brand of emergency contraceptive pill containing the active ingredient levonorgestrel.

NAFDAC revealed there are noticeable labelling discrepancies between the authentic and fake products.

It said, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) hereby notifies the public of falsified Type 1 and 2 batches of POSTINOR 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) product in circulation.

“The noticeable difference was found to be as follows: The font size of the text on the pin verification sticker appears smaller and has a wrong spelling of the word Veify instead of Verify on the fake; meanwhile, the text font on the sticker of the original appears bigger and more visible. There is also a wrong spelling behind the pack of the fake “Distnibuted in Nigeria” instead of distributed in Nigeria”, NAFDAC said.

NAFDAC identified the original Postinor-2 as batch T32458H, manufactured in February 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027 and registration number 04-6985.

The agency, however, confirmed two falsified versions: Counterfeit Product (Type 1), batch T36184B, manufactured in August 2024 with an expiry date of August 2028; and Counterfeit Product (Type 2), batch 332, manufactured in March 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027, both carrying the registration number 04-6985.

It said that due to the potential presence of incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper dosages of levonorgestrel, and a lack of sterile manufacturing conditions, poses significant risks to individual health and public safety.

“The risks of administering falsified Postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) include failure of contraceptive effect, toxic or harmful contaminants, unpredictable side effects, delayed or missed opportunity for genuine emergency contraception, and potential long-term reproductive health impact. Unexpected side effects: Unknown substances can trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or death.

“Counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, making their safety and efficacy impossible to guarantee. Patients should only obtain Postinor-2 from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers.

“Although Investigations are still ongoing regarding the source of the falsified product, all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the falsified product of type 1 and 2 postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) within the zones and states,” it added.

NAFDAC urged consumers and healthcare providers to verify PIN stickers carefully, report suspected counterfeit products, and always purchase medications from reputable sources.