Rebuilding lives behind bars: NBA President, Interior Minister visit Kuje Correctional Facility

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, SAN, joined the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on a working visit to the Kuje Correctional Facility, Abuja, as part of efforts to promote rehabilitation and reform within Nigeria’s correctional system.

The visit was aimed at assessing ongoing rehabilitation initiatives and engaging directly with inmates on transforming correctional centres into true reformative institutions.

During the visit, the NBA President commended the facility’s strides in providing educational, vocational, and creative opportunities for inmates. He revealed that over 150 inmates are currently enrolled in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), including several pursuing postgraduate degrees. He also praised the skill acquisition programmes that empower inmates with practical, marketable skills for life after incarceration.

Osigwe reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to justice and rehabilitation through its Pro Bono Centre, promising increased legal support for inmates who lack access to representation. He further appealed to Nigerians to embrace forgiveness and reintegration, urging society to welcome rehabilitated ex-inmates back with open arms.

On his part, Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the ministry’s dedication to continuous inspection, improvement, and collaboration with key institutions like the NBA to foster a correctional system anchored on dignity, fairness, and human development.

The joint visit, according to both leaders, reflects a shared vision for a humane correctional framework — one that transforms lives and rebuilds futures beyond the prison walls.