The Federal Government has urged the newly appointed Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, to spearhead a transformation within the service, shifting its emphasis from punishment to rehabilitation and reform.
During the decoration ceremony held in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this appeal, highlighting the critical role of leadership, accountability, and a clear vision for the future of the correctional system.
“Mr. President has invested his trust in picking you as the CG. You need to understand your mandates, ambitions, and targets. You must have timelines,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
He emphasised the substantial national responsibility Nwakuche holds, overseeing more than 256 custodial centres, and insisted, “You must lead from the front.”
The minister urged Nwakuche to establish a robust foundation for the service within the next 19 months, stressing the importance of raising operational standards and creating a lasting legacy. “We want stability in the NCoS. We do not want a condemnation service but a transformative one. We want custodial centres to be a place where hopes will be renewed,” he added.
In addressing the humane aspect of corrections, Tunji-Ojo referred to inmates as “awaiting assets” to the nation and called upon the CG to treat them with dignity. “All inmates are your children. Do not maltreat your children, but correct them so they can be better,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Magdalene Ajani, also spoke to the CG, reiterating the significant expectations placed upon him. “You have a lot to do. Nigerians and the Ministry of Interior are looking up to you. We want to change the narrative of the correctional service,” Ajani emphasised.
In his remarks, Nwakuche expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to lead the NCoS at what he termed a “defining moment” for the institution. “This honour comes not merely as a promotion, but as a renewed call to duty—a higher charge to advance the vision of a correctional system that is secure, humane, and truly reformative,” he said.
Nwakuche outlined a seven-point agenda for reform, prioritising security, decongestion, infrastructure, staff welfare, and inmates’ rehabilitation. “The safe custody of inmates is our primary responsibility,” he asserted, adding that his administration would focus on expanding manpower, strengthening surveillance, and promoting non-custodial measures to alleviate overcrowding.
“With over two-thirds of our inmate population being Awaiting Trial Persons, we will aggressively pursue decongestion by engaging the judiciary, State Governments, and other stakeholders,” he noted.
He also committed to investing in staff training and welfare, modernising facilities, and prioritising youth rehabilitation. “Our youths must not be lost to the streets or to crime. We will revitalise and expand Borstal Institutions to provide correction, character reformation, and hope to young offenders,” Nwakuche affirmed.
He called on staff and partners to rally behind the reform agenda, stating, “Together, we can make the Nigerian Correctional Service a shining example of what purposeful leadership and dedicated teamwork can achieve.”
Nwakuche’s appointment as the substantive NCoS CG was confirmed by the Senate on March 25, following his initial appointment in an acting capacity by President Bola Tinubu on December 13, 2024.