FG Seeks N500 Million From Individuals, Private Organisations To Free Inmates At Correctional Centres

By Ayodele Oni

As part of efforts to decongest the crowded Correctional Centers in Nigeria, the Federal Government is set to raise the sum of N500 million from private individuals and organisations to pay fines for 4000 inmates languishing in the various Correctional Centres.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo,  disclosed that a whooping sum of N500m fines placed on over 4000 inmates is being raised for payment by the Federal Government.

The Minister had recently disclosed the plan by the Government to decongest the Correctional Centers through the release of people who are incarcerated due to inability to pay court fines.

Tunji-Ojo, in a chat on Saturday, explained that he had reached out to private companies and organisations to channel their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in this direction with the aim of raising the fund.

He noted that the Government would not spend a dime to decongest Correctional facilities, assuring that the money, when raised, will be properly expended on payment of the fines.

“Border security and Correctional Centres’ reform are our major priorities for now. That is why we are about to reach the far end of raising N500m to pay fines placed on 4000 inmates.

“We have reached out to private organisations and companies to help raise the funds as part of their Corporate Social Responsibilities and I am sure this will be sorted in a short time.”