NCoS Seeks Collaboration With Humanitarian Affairs Ministry For Re-integration Of Inmates

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration for the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche has visited the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to advance initiatives that promote reformation, rehabilitation and successful reintegration of offenders into the society.

During the visit, the Controller-General commended the Minister, Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro for the Ministry’s impactful interventions in support of vulnerable populations across the country.

CGC Nwakuche emphasized the importance of collaboration in critical areas such as inmates’ rehabilitation and reintegration, capacity development, and agricultural programmes within custodial centres.

He noted that aligning with the Ministry would enable ex-offenders to benefit from the Federal Government’s social intervention programmes upon release, thereby easing their transition and reducing the risk of reoffending.

According to him, such collaboration is essential to strengthen the mandate of the Service within the criminal justice system, particularly in enhancing public safety and promoting sustainable reintegration.

In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, described the visit as timely and significant, noting the strong alignment between the Ministry’s mandate and the objectives of the NCoS, especially in addressing the needs of vulnerable groups.

The Minister, Dr. Doro assured the Controller-General and his delegation of the Ministry’s readiness to support initiatives that advance inmates’ welfare and reintegration.

He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to assisting vulnerable Nigerians, highlighting key social intervention platforms such as the National Social Register, which currently captures millions of beneficiaries nationwide.

The Minister further expressed interest in harmonizing data between the NCoS and the National Social Register to enable eligible ex-offenders benefit from government support programmes.

The Minister approved the establishment of a joint technical committee and requested nomination from the Service for members to commence work on a framework for collaboration.

Nkiruka Njemanze, Edited By Grace Namiji