Reforms, Renewal, Results: Tunji-Ojo’s Mark on the Correctional Service
Reforms, Renewal, Results: Tunji-Ojo’s Mark on the Correctional Service
In the ongoing quest for national actualization, a select few individuals shine with extraordinary brilliance, crafting a compelling narrative of transformation, resilience, and hope. Among these luminaries is the current Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. His tenure as the helmsman of the Interior Ministry marks not just a phase of routine governance but a profound and thoughtful engagement with the fundamental pillars of security, justice, and human dignity that underpin the Nigerian state.
With unwavering dedication, he approaches the ministry’s challenges as a master sculptor approaches a raw block of marble, patiently and skillfully carving away the deeply embedded obstacles that have long hindered progress. Through his innovative strategies and principled leadership, he is unveiling a renewed and revitalized ministry, one that aspires to embody excellence, transparency, and service to the people. This era under his stewardship is characterized by an obligation to visionary and pragmatic reforms, ensuring that the ministry not only meets contemporary demands but also anticipates future needs. His leadership is reshaping agencies under the ministry into a beacon of hope and a catalyst for national development, inspiring confidence and fostering a safer, more just society for all Nigerians.
Building on this transformative vision, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is driving significant reforms in the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), aiming to redefine its role from mere custody to rehabilitation, reformation and reintegration, thereby fostering a more humane and effective criminal justice system. The echoes of overcrowding in our correctional centres, a persistent scar on our nation’s conscience, are beginning to fade, replaced by the resounding symphony of freedom for thousands of inmates in custody. Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s compassionate intervention, facilitating the payment of fines and compensation for over 4000 inmates, is a testament to a leadership that sees beyond mere incarceration. It is an act of profound empathy, a recognition that justice must also be tempered with mercy, allowing the chains of circumstance to be broken and lives to be reclaimed.
The Honourable Minister played a pivotal role in the careful and strategic selection of the current Controller General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche. His insightful judgment and commitment to excellence ensured that the appointment was not merely a routine decision but a deliberate choice of a leader with exceptional acumen and strong leadership qualities. This decision has since translated into tangible improvements within the Service, as the new leadership has demonstrated a clear vision, effective management, and a results-driven approach. Under this capable stewardship, the service has witnessed enhanced operational efficiency, improved staff morale, and significant progress in reform initiatives. The Minister’s instrumental role in this appointment accentuates his dedication to fostering leadership that can drive meaningful change and deliver lasting impact for the nation’s correctional system.
Furthermore, the corridors of the Service now resonate with the hum of progress, a testament to the revitalized spirit of its personnel. The colossal promotion exercise of 2025, elevating over 16,000 officers and men, coupled with the immediate disbursement of their arrears, is more than a bureaucratic undertaking; it is a powerful affirmation of worth for those who give their all to administer the nation’s correctional ecosystem. This act, perhaps one of the most significant in the Service’s history, ignites a fire of dedication in the personnel, reminding every uniformed soul that their Service is seen, valued, and duly rewarded.
Moreover, the physical infrastructure of our correctional facilities is undergoing a remarkable transformation, signaling a new era of progress and care. All thanks to the Honourable Minister! The once deplorable Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje FCT, has been revitalized, now presenting a refreshed and dignified appearance that reflects this change. Similar upgrades are being implemented across correctional centres nationwide, setting a new benchmark of world-class standards. These improvements go far beyond cosmetic enhancements; they include state-of-the-art medical and health facilities, dynamic recreational areas, and strengthened logistical support systems. Such developments serve as the essential foundation for effective rehabilitation, focusing not only on the physical well-being of inmates but also on nurturing their mental and emotional growth. These efforts are aimed at equipping inmates with the tools and resilience needed for a meaningful and productive reintegration into society.
In today’s digital era, where information streams endlessly like a flowing river, the Honourable Minister has confidently guided the Nigerian Correctional Service toward the forefront of innovation. The digitalization of operations such as routine administrative functions, inmate case management, and advanced surveillance systems within our custodial centres, represents a significant and strategic advancement in the criminal justice administration of Nigeria. This adoption of cutting-edge technology is driven not by novelty, but by a clear drive to speedy dispensation of justice and ensuring public safety. By integrating these digital tools, the service is better equipped to monitor activities in real time and respond swiftly to emerging challenges. Furthermore, this technological evolution fosters greater accountability, transparency and trust between the Correctional Service and the public it serves, laying a strong foundation for sustainable reform and improvement.
Through the benevolence of the Honourable Minister, the morale of correctional personnel, the unsung heroes who stand as the bulwarks of our internal security, has been palpably uplifted. This is not an accident, but a deliberate cultivation of an environment where dedication is fostered and commitment is celebrated. This renewed vigour is further bolstered by the President’s approval for the recruitment of new 5000 personnel, a forward-thinking strategy to ensure the service remains robust and capable, even as seasoned officers gracefully retire in drones.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s dedication to upholding discipline is unwavering, serving as a steady and guiding force that steers the Service with integrity and purpose. By decisively removing those deemed culpable or unfit, he is not simply cleansing the system but actively protecting its core values and moral foundation. This firm approach ensures that the Service maintains its esteemed reputation and operational effectiveness, standing as a trusted pillar of reliability for all Nigerians. His commitment to accountability sends a clear message that misconduct will not be tolerated, fostering a culture of professionalism and ethical conduct. Moreover, this disciplined environment empowers honest and hardworking personnel to thrive, enhancing overall morale and performance. Ultimately, Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s leadership is building a resilient institution that commands respect and inspires confidence across the nation.
His passion for the implementation of the new Performance Management System (PMS) across the Ministry and its agencies is a testament to his pursuit of excellence. Through extensive training programmes, officers are being equipped with the tools and understanding to embrace this new paradigm, fostering a culture where performance is measured, recognized, and continuously improved. This systematic approach promises to unlock latent potential and drive unprecedented levels of efficiency.
The Honourable Minister understands that true security is not merely the absence of crime, but the presence of justice, opportunity, and human dignity. His actions paint a vivid picture of a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of their past, can find a path towards redemption and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s vibrant future. As we look upon the horizon, illuminated by the diligent efforts of Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, we see not just policies, initiatives, and programmes, but the seeds of a more secure, just, and prosperous Nigeria. His legacy is being etched not in stone, but in the lives touched, the systems reformed, and the spirit of service that he has so masterfully reignited in the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Babatunde Ogundare is the Special Adviser on Correctional Reform to the Honourable Minister.
