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By Tracy Moses
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has urged the newly appointed Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, to spearhead a comprehensive reforms that will reduce recidivism and transform correctional facilities into centres of rehabilitation and societal reintegration.
Tunji-Ojo gave the charge during the official decoration ceremony of Nwakuche in Abuja on Saturday, describing the appointment as timely and strategic.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Ozoya Imohimi, the Minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he termed a bold step toward transformative leadership in the correctional service.
Highlighting the enormity of the task ahead, the Minister said the Controller-General’s oversight of 256 correctional facilities nationwide requires “100 percent effort.”
He urged Nwakuche to approach the role by defining clear mandates, establishing effective operational methodologies, and setting measurable timelines for tangible results.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service must transition from being seen as a place of punishment to becoming a center for correction, rehabilitation, and hope.
“Your success will define the future of the Service. Build a strong foundation for your successor.”
He pledged the Ministry’s full support and encouraged the new CG to leave a lasting legacy of impactful leadership.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, described Nwakuche’s appointment as a landmark achievement, citing his distinguished track record and expressing confidence in his ability to deliver results. She challenged him to implement critical reforms within the next six months.
Senator Osita Izunaso, who represents Nwakuche’s constituency, also hailed the appointment as a source of pride for Imo State and the Southeast. He noted Nwakuche’s robust eight-point reform agenda presented during his Senate screening and described the appointment as one of the best decisions of the Tinubu administration.
In his acceptance remarks, Nwakuche expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu, the Minister of Interior, and other stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him. He outlined a seven-point strategic vision for the Service, which includes: security, decongestion, infrastructure development, staff welfare, inmate rehabilitation, strategic partnerships, and visionary leadership.
“Our mission is to create a correctional system that promotes behavioral reform and supports successful reintegration,” Nwakuche said.
He revealed that over 70 percent of inmates are currently classified as “awaiting trial” a category he now refers to as “awaiting assets.” He disclosed that the NCoS is engaging the judiciary, state governments, and other key actors to fast-track trial processes, promote non-custodial sentencing, and improve correctional infrastructure nationwide.
The Controller-General emphasized inmate welfare as a central pillar of his administration, pledging to personally adopt the more than 80,000 inmates under the NCoS. He promised improved feeding, access to vocational training, and expanded post-release support. Special attention, he said, would be given to juvenile offenders through character-building, counseling, and tailored correctional programs.
“Correctional reforms cannot happen in isolation,” he stated.
“Since assuming office on December 16, 2024, I have met with more than 25 political and government leaders. These engagements are already yielding encouraging results and will underpin future institutional collaborations.”
Nwakuche expressed appreciation to his family, mentors, past Controllers-General, and the Minister for their continued guidance and support.