Leading the charge, Committee Chairman Hon. Chinedu Ogah made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja. Ogah praised ongoing reforms but stressed the need for accelerated investment to tackle chronic issues like overcrowding, poor welfare conditions, and outdated infrastructure in custodial centres.

“We are not just here on oversight. This is a deliberate mission to acknowledge the transformative efforts already underway and encourage further progress,” Ogah said, adding that the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is gradually reshaping the narrative around correctional institutions in the country.

He noted that the committee’s findings across various facilities show measurable improvements, including increased support for inmate rehabilitation. The lawmaker lauded both President Bola Tinubu and Minister Tunji-Ojo for their leadership and commitment to reforming the correctional system.

In his response, the Interior Minister stated that the government’s approach to rehabilitation is guided by strategy and data, not sentiment. He emphasized that siting of new correctional facilities must be informed by population distribution and security realities, rather than political influence.

“Security and strategy go hand in hand. You don’t build custodial centres in locations that pose risks to personnel and infrastructure,” he said. Citing the Kuje Custodial Centre as a benchmark, Tunji-Ojo explained that modern medical facilities, including a functional lab and surgical suite, have already improved healthcare delivery to inmates.

He further revealed that President Tinubu had approved the recruitment of 50 doctors and 100 nurses to boost health services within correctional centres. Additionally, all National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) medical personnel are now required to serve in these facilities, enhancing capacity across the system.

The minister disclosed that thousands of inmates are now enrolled in skills acquisition programmes, reflecting a shift from punishment to rehabilitation. He also confirmed a recent presidential directive increasing the daily feeding allowance for inmates, describing it as a step toward restoring dignity and supporting true reintegration.

Touching on security, Tunji-Ojo reiterated the importance of proper facility planning and location, warning against placing correctional centres in geographically vulnerable areas. He urged lawmakers to back policies that support non-custodial sentencing and encourage federal-state collaboration on reform efforts.

He also announced that recruitment had begun across key agencies under the Interior Ministry, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Civil Defence Corps, the Federal Fire Service, and the Correctional Service, with online applications open to qualified Nigerians.

The committee members pledged continued legislative backing for correctional reforms and vowed to work closely with the ministry to ensure Nigeria’s custodial infrastructure meets global benchmarks.

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Nigeria is preparing to launch its new electronic visa (e-Visa) system on May 1, 2025, which promises to revolutionize the visa application process for travelers.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Tunji Ojo, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday. The e-Visa system is designed to simplify and speed up the visa process for those wishing to visit Nigeria.

The e-Visa system allows travelers to apply for a visa entirely online, removing the need for physical visits to embassies or consulates. Applicants will fill out an online form, upload required documents such as their passport, pay the visa fee, and then receive their e-Visa via email. The visa can be printed or stored digitally for entry into Nigeria. This system, which is already being used by numerous countries, aims to streamline the travel process by reducing paperwork and minimizing wait times.

Ojo also highlighted the establishment of a centralized visa approval center at the immigration headquarters, where officers have been trained and integrated with global criminal record systems, including those of Interpol. He emphasized that the new system would enhance background checks for individuals entering Nigeria while eliminating bureaucratic delays, ensuring a smoother process for travelers without the need for lobbying.

“Our goal is to open Nigeria’s borders without compromising national security,” Ojo said. “We want people to come and explore the beauty of Nigeria while protecting our national interest.” Both the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) have agreed to work together on the e-Visa framework, regulations, and protocols.

The post Nigeria Set to Launch e-Visa System on May 1 appeared first on Housing TV Africa.