By Victoria Onehi
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has charged the new Controller-General, Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche to focus on reducing recividism, and create a system that helps inmates re-integrate as assets to society.
The Minister gave this charge at the decoration ceremony of the new Controller-General of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) on Friday in Abuja.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the timely and strategic appointment of the new Controller-General Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, describing it as a step towards transformative leadership in the Nigerian Correctional Service. The Minister highlighted the enormous responsibility the new Controller-General carries in overseeing 256 correctional facilities nationwide.
“Success in this role demands 100% effort,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasised. He challenged the new Controller-General to focus on three key areas: defining clear mandates, establishing effective methodologies, and setting timelines for measurable achievements.
The Minister further called for a paradigm shift within the NCoS, urging the service to evolve from being seen as a place of condemnation to one of rehabilitation, correction, and hope.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo in a statement signed by
Director , Press & Public Relations Ozoya Imohimi, reminded the new Controller-General that his tenure would shape the future of the Correctional Service and challenged him to build a strong foundation for his successor.
The Minister assured the Controller-General of his full support and urged him to make Nigerians proud by leaving a lasting legacy of impactful leadership.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, lauded the appointment as a landmark achievement for the Ministry of Interior and its agencies. She described Sylvester Nwakuche as a distinguished officer whose track record of excellence sets him apart.
Dr. Ajani expressed confidence in his ability to transform the service and charged him to deliver significant reforms within the next six months, reaffirming the Ministry’s unwavering support.
Speaking at the event, Senator Osita Izunaso, who represents the Controller-General’s constituency, celebrated the appointment as a moment of pride for Imo State and the Southeast. He praised Mr. Nwakuche’s outstanding performance during his Senate screening, where he presented a robust eight-point agenda for reforming the correctional service. Senator Izunaso expressed confidence in the Controller-General’s capacity to deliver results.
In his remarks , the new Controller-General, NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the Minister, and other stakeholders for entrusting him with the critical role. He outlined his vision for the service, anchored on seven core priorities: security, decongestion, infrastructure development, staff welfare, inmate rehabilitation, strategic collaborations, and visionary leadership.
“Our mission is to build a correctional system that fosters lasting changes in offenders’ behavior and supports their successful reintegration into society,” the Controller-General said. “With the support of my team, I am committed to transforming the NCoS into a beacon of hope and excellence.”
He said that, with over 70% of inmates classified as awaiting trial—now redefined as “awaiting assets”—the Service is shifting its strategic focus.
He said that aggressive engagements are underway with the judiciary, state governments, and key stakeholders to accelerate trial processes, expand non-custodial alternatives, and improve correctional infrastructure nationwide.
Nwakuche promised that, the Inmate welfare remains central to the NCoS’ mission. With the Controller-General adopting over 80,000 inmates “as his own,” he said the Service will ensure adequate feeding and expand access to vocational and post-release support programs. “Efforts to reform juvenile offenders through character education, counseling, and expanded correctional institutions will be prioritized”
The Controller-General emphasised further that, “Correctional reforms cannot happen in isolation,” “Since assuming office on December 16, 2024, I have met with over 25 government and political leaders. These conversations are already producing promising outcomes and will form the foundation for stronger institutional partnerships.”
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, mentors, former Controllers-General, and the Minister of Interior for their guidance and unwavering support.
In the same vein, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has debunked the allegation of poor feeding of inmates.
The Deputy Controller of Corrections and
Public Relations Officer Nigerian Correctional Service,Umar Abubakar in a statement disclosed that the attention of the service was drawn to a recent publication alleging that inmates in custodial centres are being fed poorly.
The statement reads in part:
“The Service categorically debunks this claim as false, misleading, and a gross misrepresentation of the realities within our facilities.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the publication is a recycled one which is pushed forward to create ruckus were none exist. While responding to the same allegation on TVC News on 1st September 2024, I highlighted that the Service operates under strict guidelines as provided by the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, which mandates the provision of adequate nutrition, healthcare, and general welfare for all inmates. Inmates are provided with meals that meet the nutritional requirements recommended by health professionals and monitored routinely by the ration committee set up by the Controller General of Corrections. Our menu plans are standardised and reviewed periodically to align with evolving health standards and budgetary provisions.”
