The Federal Government has charged the newly decorated Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, to focus on transforming the service through rehabilitation and reform rather than punishment.
During the decoration ceremony held on Friday in Abuja, Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasised the importance of visionary leadership, accountability, and clear timelines to achieve meaningful change.
Nwakuche, who succeeded Haliru Nababa, was appointed in acting capacity by President Bola Tinubu on 13 December 2024 and confirmed by the Senate on 25 March 2025.
“Mr President has placed his trust in you… You must lead from the front and understand your objectives,” Tunji-Ojo stated, stressing the responsibility of overseeing 256 custodial centres across the country.
He urged the new CG to lay a solid foundation for progress within the remaining 19 months of the administration, advocating for improved operational standards and a legacy of renewal rather than condemnation.
“We do not want a condemnation service but a transformative one… We want custodial centres to be a place where hopes will be renewed,” the minister added, describing inmates as “awaiting assets” to the nation.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, also noted the weight of expectations on Nwakuche and called for a shift in the correctional system’s narrative.
In his response, Nwakuche described his appointment as a defining moment and reaffirmed his commitment to leading a humane, secure, and reformative correctional system.
He unveiled a seven-point reform agenda focused on improving security, reducing congestion, modernising infrastructure, enhancing staff welfare, and promoting inmate rehabilitation.
“With over two-thirds of inmates being Awaiting Trial Persons, we will aggressively pursue decongestion by engaging the judiciary, state governments, and other stakeholders,” he said.
The CG also pledged to invest in youth rehabilitation, particularly through revitalised Borstal Institutions, and called for collective support to drive the reform agenda forward.
“Together, we can make the Service a shining example of what purposeful leadership and dedicated teamwork can achieve,” he concluded.
(NAN)