THE Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola on Monday, inspected ongoing construction work of the 3,000 capacity ultra-modern custodial facility in Karshi, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking during the inspection, the minister said that similar projects were being executed in the six geo-political zones of the country.
He said that the projects were initiated by President Muhammadu Buhari as part of the reform of the Nigeria Correctional Service.
Aregbesola said that three of the projects have reached advanced stage, while the one in Janguza, Kano state, is almost completed.
When completed, the minister said the facilities would decongest crowded custodial centres and ensure good living condition for inmates.
He identified funding as one of the reasons for the delay in completion of the projects, adding that if there was no release of funds, contractors would not work.
“This one you are seeing here is about 55% completed when you add all the services to it.
“This is more advanced in terms of space and other facilities. It is designed for inmates awaiting trial, convicts, among others.
“I am highly impressed by the pace and quality of work,” he said.
Aregbesola lauded Buhari for his support to the ongoing reform of the Correctional service aimed at enhancing its operations.
He said that the president provided an intervention fund for the continuation of the project.
“My desire is to have the first three of the six completed before this administration ends next year and I am working on it.
“I am going to approach the President for support so as to get the ones in Kano, FCT and Bori in Rivers completed.”
The minister said when completed, the three new custodial centres will accommodate 9000 inmates.
“If we can have this, most of the people we are holding in some of the present facilities and are not suitable to be held there, will be relocated,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the minister was accompanied on the visit by heads of the Correctional Service, Immigration and Civil Defence Corps, among others. (NAN)
