The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has commenced operations at the newly completed Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Olojuoro-Olomi, Ibadan, Oyo State, with the admission of 80 convicted male inmates into the facility.
The operationalisation of the Centre follows the approval of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the subsequent directive of the Controller-General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Nwakuche, for the transfer of selected convicted inmates from designated custodial centres to the new facility, pending its formal commissioning and full operational deployment.
In a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, Jane Osuji, the commencement of operations marks a significant addition to the custodial infrastructure of the Nigerian Correctional Service and represents another important step in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to expand custodial capacity, address congestion and provide a safer, more secure and humane environment for persons committed to the custody of the Service by competent courts.
The Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Olojuoro-Olomi, currently has a capacity to accommodate 800 inmates.
However, the facility has been designed with significant expansion potential, with its capacity expected to rise to up to 3,000 inmates upon completion and activation of additional sections, including cells for awaiting-trial persons, female inmates and inmates on death row.
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The Centre is equipped with critical infrastructure designed to support modern custodial administration and effective correctional management.
These include adequate custodial cells and beddings, a modern gate lodge and perimeter fencing for enhanced security, a modern kitchen, medical facilities, administrative offices, staff accommodation and recreational facilities, among other essential infrastructure.
The provision of these facilities is intended to enhance the security and welfare of inmates and personnel while creating an enabling environment for the effective implementation of the Service’s mandate of humane custody, reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration.
Strategically located in the South-West, the Olojuoro-Olomi custodial facility is expected to strengthen the distribution and management of inmates within the region and provide additional capacity to ease pressure on existing custodial centres, particularly in neighbouring Ogun, Osun and Ekiti States.
The activation of the Centre will also enable the Service to progressively deploy its full capacity in line with operational requirements and the completion of the remaining sections of the facility.
The Nigerian Correctional Service emphasises that the provision of modern custodial infrastructure goes beyond the construction of physical structures.
It is part of a broader correctional reform agenda aimed at ensuring that persons in custody are held securely, treated humanely and provided with appropriate opportunities for reformation, rehabilitation, skills development and eventual reintegration into society.
The operationalisation of the Olojuoro-Olomi Maximum Security Custodial Centre therefore represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s correctional infrastructure and a further demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening public safety, improving custodial conditions and building a more effective, secure, humane and rehabilitation-oriented correctional system.
