The Lagos House of Assembly plans to establish a modern correctional service centre to help reduce congestion in federal correctional centres within the state.

The parliament stated that the bill would provide for the administration of custodial and non-custodial measures in Lagos, as well as for other related purposes.

In March 2023, President Muhammadu Buhari signed laws moving correctional services to the Concurrent Legislative List.

During Thursday’s plenary, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa stated that the bill aimed to promote rehabilitation and reintegration, thereby ensuring a more effective and humane correctional system.

Mr 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.

The speaker then referred the bill to the House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and LASIEC, directing a report to be submitted within three weeks.

Providing insight, Oladipo Ajomale, chairman of the Committee on Judiciary and Human Rights, said the bill aligns with global correctional standards.

Mr Ajomale said the bill focuses on reforming and rehabilitating offenders, rather than relying solely on punitive measures. He noted that correctional services were now under the concurrent list, making the establishment of a state-owned centre timely and necessary.

Mr Ajomale also outlined sections of the bill that ensure health and safety standards within the proposed facilities. He said the bill includes 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 well-being.

Mr Adams also stressed the importance of hygiene and proper accommodation for prisoners.

Another lawmaker, Abiodun Tobun, stated that the bill would provide inmates with vocational training and a renewed chance at life. He called for ethical standards from superintendents and the director-general overseeing the facility’s operations.

Femi Saheed, a member of parliament, highlighted Lagos’ economic position and stated that 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, 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 that the bill would offer support to vulnerable youth and urged its swift passage into law.

(NAN)