The Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has initiated moves to strengthen the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates through a strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
Nwakuche made this known during a courtesy visit to the Minister, Bernard Mohammed Doro, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
During the visit, the Controller-General commended the ministry’s interventions targeted at vulnerable Nigerians and reaffirmed the Service’s readiness to collaborate on programmes that support inmate rehabilitation and post-release reintegration.
He emphasised the need for joint efforts in key areas, including rehabilitation, capacity development, and agricultural initiatives within custodial centres, noting that such collaboration would enable ex-offenders to access government social intervention schemes after release.
According to him, aligning the operations of the NCoS with the ministry’s programmes would ease the transition of former inmates into society and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
“Such collaboration is essential to strengthening the mandate of the Service within the criminal justice system, particularly in enhancing public safety and promoting sustainable reintegration,” Nwakuche said.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olubunmi Olusanya, described the visit as timely, noting the strong alignment between the mandates of both institutions in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.
Welcoming the delegation, Minister Doro assured the NCoS of the ministry’s support for initiatives aimed at improving inmate welfare and reintegration outcomes.
He highlighted key social intervention platforms, including the National Social Register, which captures millions of beneficiaries nationwide.
“The Ministry remains committed to assisting vulnerable Nigerians,” Doro said, adding that efforts were underway to expand access to government support systems.
The minister further expressed interest in integrating data between the NCoS and the National Social Register to ensure eligible ex-offenders benefit from federal programmes.
To facilitate this, he approved the establishment of a joint technical committee and requested the nomination of representatives from the correctional service to develop a framework for collaboration.
The visit concluded with the exchange of courtesies and a group photograph, marking a step toward deeper inter-agency cooperation on offender rehabilitation and social reintegration.
