NCoS Commits To Modernising Correctional Administration

The Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche has reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to modernising correctional administration through reforms anchored on professionalism, innovation and international best practices in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The CG made this known at the opening of a three day conference by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA) in Abuja.

Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, described the conference as a defining moment in Africa’s collective efforts to build correctional systems that are safer, more humanly and responsive to contemporary security and rehabilitation challenges.

The Controller-General observed that effective prisoner classification remains one of the most critical components of correctional management, as it enhances institutional security, protects vulnerable inmates, supports targeted rehabilitation programmes and improves reintegration outcomes.

He further disclosed that the Service is accelerating its digital transformation agenda through the deployment of biometric identification systems, electronic inmate records management, data-driven decision-making and continuous capacity development for personnel.

According to him, “This conference offers Africa an opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another and develop practical, home-grown solutions that will strengthen correctional administration across the continent while promoting public safety and respect for human dignity.”

Declaring the conference open, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, commended the Nigerian Correctional Service for sustaining the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s correctional system and positioning the country as a leader in correctional reforms within Africa.

The Minister highlighted significant milestones recorded by the Service under the current administration, including expanded inmate education and vocational training programmes, comprehensive inmate skills profiling, strengthened implementation of non-custodial measures to address custodial congestion and sustained efforts towards reducing recidivism.

He emphasized that correctional centres must remain institutions of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration, rather than facilities focused solely on punishment.

Representing the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Interregional Adviser on Prison and Penal Reform, Mr. Philip Meissner, noted that the conference coincides with activities marking Nelson Mandela’s International Day, underscoring the enduring relevance of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules).

He stressed the importance of ensuring that technological innovation within correctional systems is implemented in a manner that safeguards human rights, promotes dignity and enhances institutional effectiveness across Africa.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA) and National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, South Africa, described the conference as a landmark platform for deepening collaboration among African correctional institutions.He observed that technology has become indispensable in modern offender management through digital case management systems, biometric identification and improved correctional operations.

The three day conference brought together Heads of Correctional Services, policy makers, Correctional experts, development partners and delegates from eleven African countries to deliberate on innovative strategies for improving prisoner classification, advancing the responsible use of technology in correctional administration and strengthening regional cooperation in prison reforms.

Nkiruka Njemanze, Edited By Grace Namiji