The Lagos State House of Assembly plans to establish a modern correctional service centre to help reduce congestion in federal correctional centres within the state.
The House stated that the bill to that effect would provide for the administration of custodial and non-custodial measures in Lagos and for other related purposes.
In March 2023, President Muhammadu Buhari signed laws moving correctional services to the Concurrent Legislative List.
During Thursday’s plenary, Mr Mudashiru Obasa said the bill aimed to promote rehabilitation and reintegration, ensuring a more effective and humane correctional system.
Obasa noted that the bill, titled “Lagos State Correctional Service Bill, 2025,” was initiated by members of the House.
He said the bill would provide training and rehabilitation programmes for inmates to reduce reoffending and promote safer communities.
The Speaker thanked members for their contributions and described the bill as “the House’s baby” that must be given utmost attention.
“There is a need for the state to support its justice system with appropriate infrastructure for effective justice delivery.
“This bill will create a safer and more reformed society, bringing lasting benefits to the people of Lagos,” Obasa said.
The Speaker then referred the bill to the House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and LASIEC, directing a report within three weeks.
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Providing insight, Mr Oladipo Ajomale, chairman of the Committee on Judiciary and Human Rights, said the bill aligned with global correctional standards.
Ajomale emphasised the bill focused on reforming and rehabilitating offenders, rather than relying solely on punitive measures.
He noted that correctional services were under the concurrent list, making the establishment of a state-owned centre timely and necessary.
Ajomale also outlined sections of the bill that ensured health and safety standards within the proposed facilities.
He said the bill included provisions for juvenile offenders and modern surveillance systems such as CCTV installations.
In his remarks, Majority Leader, Noheem Adams, said the bill would safeguard inmates’ mental and physical welfare.
Adams also stressed the importance of hygiene and proper accommodation for prisoners.
Lawmaker, Abiodun Tobun, said the bill would offer inmates vocational training and a renewed chance at life.
He called for ethical standards from superintendents and the Director General overseeing the facility’s operations.
Another lawmaker, Femi Saheed, highlighted Lagos’ economic position and said a robust justice system would complement the state’s developmental goals.
Describing the bill as transformative, Saheed said the centre would reshape the state’s correctional landscape.
On her part, lawmaker Omolara Olumegbon stressed the need for a well-regulated correctional system and constant staff training.
Other lawmakers shared similar views, saying the bill would reduce overcrowding and provide life-changing opportunities for inmates.
They added the bill would offer support to vulnerable youth and urged its swift passage into law.
Source: NAN
