The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajuddeen, has secured the release of 21 inmates from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Medium Security Custodial Centre, Zaria, as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
Abbas said N17.506 million was paid to settle fines and other financial obligations that had kept the inmates in custody.
The Speaker said the beneficiaries were mostly minor offenders who remained incarcerated due to their inability to pay fines imposed by courts.
He expressed concern that some inmates had spent years in custody over fines amounting to less than N100,000, describing the development as worrisome.
Speaking during an inspection of the facility, Abbas said he chose to commemorate Democracy Day by interacting with inmates and correctional personnel to assess their welfare and operational challenges.
“I have chosen to celebrate Democracy Day by visiting places of this nature to see with my own eyes how inmates are faring and how personnel are running the facility,” he said.
The Speaker commended the management of the centre for maintaining a clean environment and sustaining staff morale despite existing challenges.
“What I have seen is quite gladdening. There is improvement in the cleanliness of the facility and the morale of staff is high. The inmates also appear to be in good health,” he said.
Abbas said observations made during the visit would be conveyed to the National Assembly to facilitate interventions through future budgetary provisions.
He identified the facility’s clinic, school and skills acquisition centre as critical areas requiring urgent attention and pledged support for their rehabilitation.
According to him, the clinic is in poor condition and requires immediate intervention to improve healthcare services for inmates.
He also said the school within the custodial centre was in dire need of renovation to create a conducive learning environment for inmates undergoing educational programmes.
The Speaker further pledged to upgrade the skills acquisition centre to strengthen vocational training and enhance inmates’ chances of successful reintegration into society after release.
As part of the intervention, Abbas donated 21 motorcycles to personnel of the custodial centre to improve their welfare and ease transportation challenges.
He reiterated the commitment of the National Assembly to supporting initiatives aimed at improving correctional facilities and promoting the welfare of inmates and personnel across the country.
COV/ IBRAHIM SULEIMAN
