Government gives green light to recruit 50 medical doctors and 100 nursing staff for prisons nationwide

President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for the recruitment of 50 medical doctors and 100 nurses to work in hospitals across the nation's correctional centres, according to Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior.

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This revelation was made by Tunji-Ojo on Tuesday during a courtesy visit from Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, in Abuja.

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The minister explained that the president's approval was prompted by the shortage of medical personnel in some correctional centres, citing the example of the hospital in the correctional centre in Rivers, which lacks a medical doctor to provide services to inmates.

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Despite the challenges, Tunji-Ojo noted that some correctional centres, such as Kuje, are equipped to perform major surgeries.

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According to the minister, President Tinubu is committed to the welfare of all Nigerians, including inmates, demonstrating his care and concern for their well-being as the "father to all".

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The Federal Government has been implementing training programs for inmates through "train-the-trainer" initiatives, which aim to build capacity and empower them with new skills.

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Tunji-Ojo highlighted the success of these programs, which involve conducting "inmate skills audits" to identify the skills and abilities of inmates and providing them with the necessary training and support.

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The minister also mentioned that the president has increased the feeding allowance for inmates by 50 per cent, demonstrating his commitment to their welfare.

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Tunji-Ojo emphasized the need for the Ministry of Information and National Reorientation to showcase the achievements of the Ministry of Interior to the Nigerian public.

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He called for greater collaboration between the two ministries to develop a coordinated communication strategy, particularly in relation to national security.

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The minister cited the example of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which has established "mine marshals" in collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Minerals to secure minefields and protect critical national assets.

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This initiative has resulted in a reduction in criminality and violence within the sector, according to Tunji-Ojo.

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Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, pledged to enhance collaboration with the Ministry of Interior to strengthen communication between the Federal Government and Nigerians.

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Idris committed to communicating the reforms implemented by the Ministry of Interior to the public, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the Nigerian public is informed and aligned with the government's efforts.