By Israella Njasi, Abuja
FG Pushes Technology-Driven Reforms, Regional Cooperation to Modernise African Correctional Systems
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to driving major reforms in Nigeria’s correctional system and supporting the transformation of prison administration across Africa through technology, institutional restructuring, data-based management and stronger regional partnerships.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the commitment while declaring open the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Conference on Prisoner Classification and the Use of Technology in Prison Settings in Africa.
Tunji-Ojo said correctional systems across the continent must adapt to modern realities and emerging security challenges, stressing that technology has become a critical component in building safer, more efficient and humane correctional institutions.
He noted that methods used in managing prisons in previous centuries could no longer address the complexities of today’s security environment.
“The approach to correctional service management in the 19th century cannot be the same as the 21st century. Technology is no longer optional—it is essential to building secure, efficient and humane correctional systems,” the minister stated.
The minister commended the UNODC, African Correctional Services Association (ACSA), United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), and other development partners for creating a platform that encourages knowledge sharing, policy improvement and cooperation among African correctional institutions.
He urged correctional administrators to focus on identifying the root causes of challenges within their systems before introducing solutions, stressing that sustainable reforms require proper assessment, clear strategies and realistic implementation timelines.
Highlighting Nigeria’s progress under the current administration, Tunji-Ojo disclosed that the country had recorded no successful prison attacks or jailbreaks since President Bola Tinubu assumed office.
He attributed the achievement to improved security measures, digital transformation, better inmate data management and stronger cooperation among security agencies.
According to him, the ongoing digitisation of correctional records, including biometric information and inmate photographs, has significantly improved intelligence gathering, monitoring and rapid response to security threats.
However, the minister cautioned that technology alone cannot solve all challenges, stressing that investment in digital tools must be matched with the development of skilled personnel.
“Technology is only a catalyst that improves efficiency. Investment in technology must go hand in hand with investment in human capacity,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo also called for greater integration of correctional services into Africa’s wider security framework, urging countries to strengthen intelligence sharing and cross-border cooperation to prevent criminals from exploiting gaps in regional security systems.
Beyond security, the minister advocated a new approach to corrections, describing correctional facilities as centres for rehabilitation, restoration and reintegration rather than mere detention centres.
“A correctional centre should be a place of transformation, rehabilitation, restoration and hope—not simply a place of confinement,” he said.
He further stressed the need for stronger legal frameworks for juvenile justice and borstal institutions, warning against placing young offenders alongside hardened criminals.
The minister disclosed that Nigeria had expanded educational, vocational and skills acquisition programmes for inmates, with thousands currently benefiting from initiatives designed to prepare them for productive lives after release.
He said the programmes were helping to reduce repeat offences and reposition correctional centres as institutions of learning, empowerment and personal transformation.
Tunji-Ojo called on African nations to embrace innovation and technology as essential tools for modernising correctional administration, improving security and advancing justice across the continent.
His remarks were contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Interior, Mrs. Mary Ali.
