In a bid to address the persistent shortage of medical personnel in Nigerian correctional facilities, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced on Tuesday that President Bola Tinubu has approved the employment of 50 medical doctors and 100 nurses. This decision was revealed during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, to the Interior Minister's office in Abuja. The initiative aims to enhance healthcare delivery to inmates, who have been facing a lack of adequate medical attention in several correctional centres.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the dire situation in some facilities, such as the correctional centre in Rivers, which has reportedly been operating without a medical doctor to attend to the needs of its inmates. He pointed out that despite the apparent inadequacies, equipment in places like Kuje is capable of performing major surgeries, underscoring the need for qualified personnel to utilize these resources effectively. The Minister emphasized that the government's commitment extends to all Nigerians, including inmates, portraying President Tinubu's leadership as empathetic and responsible.

Additionally, the minister noted that the Federal Government has initiated training programs for inmates through a train-the-trainer approach to build healthcare capacity within the correctional facilities. This strategy not only aims to enhance the immediate health services available but also promotes a rehabilitative approach to correctional education, preparing inmates for reintegration back into society. The employment of medical professionals is a crucial step in realizing the government's broader objective of improving the justice system and ensuring proper healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.