Professor of Theatre Arts and Film Production, University of Port Harcourt, Professor Henry Bellgam, has called for the relocation of prisons from city centres to the rural communities through public private partnership (PPP).
Speaking with The Tide yesterday in Port Harcourt, Bellgam said that the move was imperative following the recent jail breaks in Abuja and other parts of the country.
According to him, “This call, which is in line with global best practices, would bring the best”, noting that it will check the incessant jail breaks in Nigeria prisons.
He said, “It will be difficult for the prisoners to escape and blend with local population, stating that prisons in rural areas.
“Furthermore, such prisons would have land for correctional facilities that would equip the prisoners with new skills, preparatory to life after jail.”
Professor Bellgam, also stated that the Federal Government should be committed to building more new correctional centres across the country.
Bellgam, further said the PPP procurement option was one of the issues to be considered by the ministry charged with such responsibility.
He expressed support for the reforms of the prison system, the PPP plan offers, but emphasised that the proposal should be thoroughly reviewed with all stakeholders.
The erudite scholar explained that issues regarding the correct valuation of the prison when implemented would benefit the government.
He, however, said discussions should commence in the earliest regarding the issue which involves most states, including, Ogun, Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Imo, which should accept the relocation of the prisons in their states.