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.
The facility, which has an initial capacity for 800 inmates, was activated following approval by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and a directive by the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, for the transfer of selected convicted inmates from designated custodial centres.
The transfer is being carried out ahead of the formal commissioning and full deployment of the facility.
In a statement, the NCoS Public Relations Officer, Jane Osuji, said the commencement of operations marked an important expansion of the Service’s custodial infrastructure and would help address congestion in existing facilities.
She said the centre was designed to provide a secure and humane environment for persons committed to the custody of the Service by competent courts, while supporting the Federal Government’s broader correctional reform efforts.
The facility has significant room for expansion, with its capacity expected to increase to about 3,000 inmates following the completion and activation of additional sections for awaiting-trial persons, female inmates and persons on death row.
According to the Service, the centre is equipped with modern custodial cells and beddings, a gate lodge, perimeter fencing, kitchen, medical facilities, administrative offices, staff accommodation and recreational areas.
The infrastructure is intended to improve the security and welfare of both inmates and personnel while supporting the Service’s mandate of humane custody, reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration.
Located in the South-West, the facility is also expected to improve the distribution and management of inmates across the region and reduce pressure on existing custodial centres in neighbouring Ogun, Osun and Ekiti states.
The NCoS said the centre would be activated in phases to allow for the gradual deployment of its full capacity in line with operational requirements and the completion of outstanding sections.
The Service stressed that the project was not limited to providing physical infrastructure but formed part of a wider reform programme aimed at ensuring secure and humane custody while creating opportunities for rehabilitation, skills development and eventual reintegration into society.
It said the operationalisation of the Olojuoro-Olomi centre represented a significant investment in Nigeria’s correctional infrastructure and demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving custodial conditions, strengthening public safety and developing a more effective rehabilitation-focused correctional system.
