The Federal Government has called on the newly decorated Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, to lead a transformation of the service, shifting its focus from punishment to rehabilitation and reforms.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this appeal during the decoration ceremony held in Abuja on Friday.
Addressing the newly decorated CG, the minister stressed the importance 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,”
“You have a huge national responsibility to protect over 256 custodial centres. You must lead from the front,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He charged the Nwakuche to lay a solid foundation for the service within the next 19 months, stressing the need to raise operational standards and build 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.
Highlighting the humane aspect of corrections, the minister described inmates as “awaiting assets” to the nation, urging 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 addressed the CG, reiterating the weight of the expectations ahead.
“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 charged.
During the event, Nwakuche expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Nigerian Correctional Service at what he called 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.
The CG 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 stated, adding that his administration would focus on expanding manpower, strengthening surveillance, and promoting non-custodial measures to ease 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 also pledged to invest in staff training and welfare, modernise facilities, and prioritise 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 said.
He called on staff and partners to support the reform agenda, adding, “Together, we can make the Nigerian Correctional Service a shining example of what purposeful leadership and dedicated teamwork can achieve.”
The Senate on March 25 confirmed the appointment of Nwakuche as the substantive NCoS CG.
Nwakuche, who replaced Haliru Nababa, was appointed in an acting capacity by President Bola Tinubu on December 13, 2024.
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