President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 50 doctors and 100 nurses to address the medical needs of inmates in correctional centres nationwide, News360 Nigeria reports.
A statement from Babatunde Alao, the spokesperson for the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, confirmed the approval granted by the president through the minister.
Alao further noted that the minister had received authorization for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to assign medical doctors to correctional centres during their service year, emphasizing the importance of protecting society’s most vulnerable.
Additionally, the minister announced that the government would allow existing medical staff within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to extend their service beyond the retirement age to temporarily fill gaps in staffing.
Before Tunji-Ojo’s appointment, states like Rivers struggled to provide sufficient medical staff for their correctional centres, highlighting the need for this recruitment initiative.
The minister also highlighted that this hiring effort would help alleviate unemployment, making the recruitment process an ongoing one.
Tunji-Ojo also announced the completion of renovations at the Kuje Correctional Centre, which has been transformed into a modern facility.
He remarked, “It’s entirely new, from the cells to the water supply to the hospital, as we ensure Mr. President’s vision is felt in every area. His goal is to build a lasting system with solutions for both short-term and long-term challenges.”
Furthermore, the minister revealed the presidential approval for establishing a National Paramilitary Academy, a degree-granting institution to train young Nigerians in paramilitary skills, comparable to the Nigerian Defence Academy.
On visa issuance, the minister noted the introduction of a new process, where all Nigerian visa applications will be handled online, with approval or rejection processed within 48 to 72 hours.
Regarding national security, the minister reiterated the government’s efforts to reform the Private Guard sector, focusing on structuring it to enhance the country’s security framework. The introduction of a Guard Management System is underway to automate related processes.
