FG moves to implement correctional service reforms

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reforming the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and strengthening the country’s criminal justice system.

This followed the conclusion of a two-day stakeholders’ engagement on the report of the Independent Investigative Panel on alleged corruption, abuse of power, and related issues within the service.

Speaking at the close of the engagement, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry and Chairperson of the Special Investigative Panel, Dr Magdalene Ajani, stated that the process has now moved from review to implementation of key recommendations aimed at improving accountability, institutional integrity, and respect for human dignity within correctional centres.

Head of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Mary Ali, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, quoted Ajani as noting that the report would be updated to reflect contributions made during the engagement and subsequently submitted to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

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The final report, she added, will be made public in line with the government’s commitment to transparency and inclusive reform.

In her words, “The report is not an end in itself, but a call to action. What matters most is the seriousness with which we implement its recommendations to strengthen the system and rebuild public confidence.”

Dr Ajani noted that the panel carried out its assignment with fairness and objectivity, focusing not only on identifying issues but also on proposing practical solutions. She emphasised that reform efforts should be seen as part of a broader responsibility to strengthen institutions, not weaken them.

She called on state governments to play a more active role in supporting correctional centres within their jurisdictions. According to her, simple but consistent interventions—such as providing basic healthcare, improving water supply and sanitation, and supporting inmate education—can make a significant difference in the lives of inmates and the overall system.

She further reminded stakeholders that many inmates are state offenders, underscoring the need for stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities. She encouraged states to take practical steps towards implementing the provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019, including developing state-level frameworks and making budgetary provisions to support correctional services.

Dr Ajani expressed confidence that, with sustained commitment and collaboration, the outcomes of the engagement would translate into meaningful improvements in the correctional system and contribute to a more accountable and humane justice framework.

In his closing remarks, the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, mni, stated that institutions entrusted with public responsibility must remain open to scrutiny, guided by accountability, and committed to continuous improvement.

He emphasised that the Nigerian Correctional Service does not condone any form of misconduct or violation of the rights of persons in custody, assuring that all substantiated cases of wrongdoing will be addressed in accordance with established laws and disciplinary procedures.

The Comptroller-General further noted that implementation of the panel’s recommendations will be undertaken with seriousness and a clear sense of responsibility, while sensitive matters already before the courts will be handled appropriately.

The Director of the Joint Services Department of the ministry, Mrs Asmau Shehu, in her vote of thanks, expressed confidence that the panel’s report will enhance public trust and improve the operations of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

During the validation proceedings, the President, Prison Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, Assoc. Prof. Uju Agomoh, implored participants to be staunch partners in correctional reformation in Nigeria.

The engagement brought together key stakeholders from across the justice sector to review findings and chart a practical path forward for reforms in the Nigerian Correctional Service.