By Peter Adelowo
Nigerian Government has raised concerns over the detention of approximately 26,000 children in correctional facilities, describing it as a violation of laws that mandate their placement in borstal institutions.
In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Ozoya Imohimi, revealed that the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, addressed the issue during a high-level inter-agency meeting on Tuesday.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo acknowledged the shortage of proper facilities and emphasized the need for urgent reforms to bridge legal and institutional gaps.
He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to improving the correctional system, particularly concerning the large number of children in detention, as part of broader efforts to reform the justice sector.
The minister stressed the importance of a new approach to governance, stating, “We must focus on the present to shape the future. Change is overdue, and we are determined to take a fresh approach to bring real progress.”
As part of the proposed reforms, Dr. Tunji-Ojo announced plans to establish a Nigerian Paramilitary Academy to provide officers with training in correctional practices and empathy.
He also highlighted the need to adopt non-custodial measures for non-violent offenders to reduce the number of individuals held in pre-trial detention.
He called for increased collaboration among government agencies and urged state governments to actively participate in addressing juvenile detention, emphasizing that correctional services require a nationwide effort.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister stressed that delays and excuses would not be tolerated.
“Correctional facilities should focus on rehabilitation, not punishment. We must build a system that future generations will be proud of,” he said.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo referenced findings from the 2024 report on children and young adults deprived of liberty, which revealed that over the past five years, around 26,000 children have been detained annually—making up more than 30% of the total inmate population.
Expressing deep concern over these statistics, he warned that institutions violating child protection laws would be held accountable.
“The law is clear—children should not be placed in adult correctional centres. Agencies that fail to comply will face consequences,” he stated firmly.
He called for strong political will and resource mobilization to drive systemic reforms and eliminate arbitrary detention of children.
“Raising a child is a collective responsibility. We cannot afford to fail our children. By 2027, we aim to discuss achievements, not unfulfilled promises,” he assured.
In support of his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, described the figures as alarming.
She pointed out that between 2018 and 2022, an average of 26,000 children and young adults were detained annually, emphasizing the urgent need for action to protect these vulnerable individuals.
