The Federal Government has flagged off the release of 4,068 inmates from Correctional facilities across the country.
The flag-off launched at Kuje Medium Custodial Centre, Abuja was conducted by Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The event was attended by the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, Haliru Nababa, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, and Commandant General of Federal Fire Service, FFS, Abdulgaffar A Jaji amongst others dignitaries.
Tunji-Ojo said the release of 37 inmates from the Kuje Medium Custodial Centre marked the beginning of the release of a total of 4,068 inmates across the country in a programme designed to decongest Nigeria Correctional facilities and ensure smooth integration of the inmates back into their communities.
He explained N585m was raised by philanthropists, groups and corporate bodies as part of their corporate social responsibility to settle the fines of the 4,068 released inmates and pay compensation for them.
According to him, inmates with more than N1m could not benefit from the gesture, noting that the over crowding nature of Nigeria Correctional facilities necessitated the push to decongest them.
The Minister noted that in line with the President Bola Tinubu mantra of Renewed Hope, the inmates have been given a second opportunity to get back to track and contribute to the ongoing development of the country. He enjoined their relations and communities to ensure their smooth integration back into the society.
The Controller-General of the NCoS, Haliru Nababa commended the present administration for setting positive agenda and narrative for the Correctional facilities in the country, he noted that the gesture would rapidly decongest the facilities and make them more humane for habitation.