The Nigeria Correctional Service, on Saturday, attributed the delay in the completion of custodial centres across the country to funding shortages and contractor behaviour.
The initiative, spearheaded by former President Muhammadu Buhari, aimed to construct 3,000-capacity ultra-modern custodial centres in each zone to tackle the issue of inmate overcrowding and improve the living conditions of those in custody.
The spokesperson for the NCoS, Abubakar Umar, who spoke to our correspondent explained that the challenges faced include financial constraints, adverse weather conditions, and challenges with contractor cooperation.
Umar noted, “The Service had embarked on the expansion of its custodial facilities to enhance its capacity by constructing a total of six ultra-modern custodial centres, with each of them having a capacity of 3,000 inmates.
“The hiccups are bordering funding, inclement weather, and the attitude of some contractors, but we are poised to ensure that we provide the enabling environment for the contractors to execute these projects smoothly and in the shortest time possible,
“We have spread these facilities to all six geopolitical zones. The one located in the North West is located in Janguza, Kano state. It has been commissioned, and the facility is being used maximally at present. It contains all the facilities necessary for the smooth operation of a correctional facility such as schools, hospitals, courts, vocational/skills acquisition centres, libraries, and many other facilities.”
Umar added that the NCoS intends to increase its capacity by 18,000, to reduce the overcrowding in custodial facilities.
“The ones located in other geopolitical zones are at various stages of completion, and some of them are at an advanced stage and will soon be ready for commissioning. As I talk to you, work is ongoing, and we are dedicated to seeing these projects through in no distant time,” he added.
