House Committee, Lagos To Collaborate On Correctional Centre Reforms

The House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions has requested collaboration from the Lagos State Government in its efforts to reform correctional centres policies and programmes.

The committee, led by its chairman, Hon. Comrade Chinedu Ogah, made the requests while leading members of the committee on a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, at the Deputy Governor’s Office, the Roundhouse, Alausa Ikeja.

Among the requests made are the reformation of Lagos’ correctional centres, the possible relocation of the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, and the rehabilitation of the access road in Kirikiri, Apapa, which houses three facilities.

He also stressed the need for the state government to collaborate with the federal government in rehabilitating correctional facilities to help inmates upgrade their skills and increase productivity after they are released.

“The federal government cannot lead correctional facilities alone; it must collaborate with state governments, which is why the country has continued to work with the United Nations and others, as these organisations provide hope to inmates by training them and teaching them skills that will help them in the future.

The Chairman thus urged the state government to assist in providing logistical facilities for correctional services in Lagos State, stating that such facilities would make the centre’s job easier and more effective.

He also urged the Lagos State government to grant mercy to minor offenders under the constitutional age of 18, noting that this would help to reduce congestion in the country’s correctional facilities.

In response, Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that his administration is willing to collaborate with the Federal House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions to ensure that the state’s prisons are correctional centres that truly serve the purpose of correction and growth.