The Spokesman of Nigerian Prisons Service, (NPS), Francis Enobore has stated that the United Kingdom government had yet to formally notify it and the Federal Government of its plan to build structures at the Kirikiri Prison in Lagos State, contrary to widespread report. In a statement issued on Saturday, Enobore said the UK must first discuss the specific terms and conditions of the project with the Federal Government before its commencement.
“No such building can be built without a synergy between the UK and the Nigerian government; the UK cannot do that. There is no way the UK can just jump into Kirikiri and start to build anything. Officially, we are not aware of such move. No formal document has reached the service. As far as I know, I have not seen any document showing a formal move by the United Kingdom to build a prison wing in Kirikiri.
I read about the plan. It is a proposal still being considered in the UK. There is no place where it is mentioned that any formal invitation was given to the Nigerian government. The Controller-General will be notified and there will be further plans. It is too early for me to start talking about a project that I have not seen or heard about.”
Recall that on Friday reports emerged that Britain would build a new wing at the Kirikiri Prison in Lagos so that it could transfer Nigerian prisoners in the UK there. According to the report, the new 112-bed wing, which will cost £700,000 ($973,000), will be compliant with the United Nations standards.