Nigerian Correctional Service
The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, has delivered a thought-provoking presentation to participants of Course 47 of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos on the theme: “Promoting Blue Economy, Rehabilitation and Re-integration of Inmates for Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The Role of the Nigerian Correctional Service.”
In his address, the Controller-General highlighted the strategic role of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in nation-building through its rehabilitation and reintegration mandate, emphasizing how correctional interventions contribute to human capital development, public safety, and sustainable socio-economic growth.
He noted that the Service’s innovative programs, such as skills acquisition, vocational training, educational opportunities, and psycho-social support for inmates, are integral to ensuring that ex-offenders reintegrate into society as productive citizens. This will not only reduce recidivism but also strengthen Nigeria’s human resource base, thereby aligning with the broader objectives of sustainable development.
On the Blue Economy, the Controller-General underscored its vast potential in driving economic diversification and national prosperity, stressing the importance of harnessing correctional institutions’ resources and manpower in areas such as aquaculture, fisheries, and agro-allied enterprises. He assured that NCoS is committed to leveraging partnerships and strategic collaborations to expand its rehabilitation programs into new frontiers that contribute to national development.
He commended the leadership of NIPSS for providing a platform for high-level discourse on critical issues of national relevance and urged participants of Course 47 to integrate correctional service perspectives into their strategic policy recommendations for government.
The session was interactive, as participants engaged the Controller-General with insightful questions and contributions on strengthening correctional reforms, enhancing public-private partnerships, and deepening the Service’s role in the nation’s economic transformation agenda.
Notably, ACG Unazi Raphael, fsi, the NCoS participant in the course gave the vote of thanks on behalf of his colleagues, appreciating the Controller-General for his enlightening presentation and reaffirming the participants’ commitment to applying the lessons learned in their future policy engagements.
The Nigerian Correctional Service remains resolute in fulfilling its mandate of safe custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates in line with global best practices and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
