In a stark revelation about Nigeria’s justice system, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed that a staggering 67% of inmates across the country’s correctional facilities are awaiting trial. The minister made these comments during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, highlighting the urgent need for intergovernmental cooperation to address the crisis.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that resolving the overcrowding and delayed justice issues requires stronger partnership between federal and state authorities.
“We can work out a synergy. States that want to have their own correctional centers are entitled by law to do so. But we must understand that about 72% of inmates are state offenders, while 67% are awaiting trial,” he stated.
The minister pointed out the imbalance in responsibility, noting that while most detainees are held for state offenses, the federal government currently bears the burden of their incarceration.
Despite the challenges, the minister acknowledged the current administration’s efforts to improve conditions.
“This particular administration has done a lot in the last two years in terms of allocating resources and working to fix our correctional centers,” he noted.
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