The Federal Government has expressed concern over the presence of approximately 26,000 children in custodial centres, calling it a violation of child protection laws.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known at a high-level inter-agency meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, where he stressed the need for urgent action to address legal and institutional gaps in Nigeria’s correctional system.
“The law is clear—children should not be in adult correctional centres. We will not tolerate violations of this law, and agencies failing to uphold it will face consequences,” he declared.
The minister announced key initiatives, including the establishment of a Nigerian Paramilitary Academy to train officers in correctional principles, as well as emphasizing non-custodial measures for non-violent offenders to reduce pre-trial detentions.
Tunji-Ojo also called for inter-ministerial collaboration and active participation from state governments, stressing that correctional services require a federation-wide approach.
Reiterating the government’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister assured that by 2027, discussions will focus on achievements, not promises.
“It takes a whole village to raise a child. Our nation cannot afford to fail its children,” he affirmed.