President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorized the recruitment of 5,000 new personnel into the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to address the longstanding issue of overcrowding in correctional facilities and enhance the service's operational capacity.
The approval, initially granted in August 2024, was delayed due to funding constraints but is now set to proceed with the inclusion of necessary budgetary allocations in the 2025 fiscal year.
Acting Comptroller General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche Ndidi, disclosed this development during a presentation to the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, chaired by Hon. Chinedu Ogar.
Ndidi emphasized that the recruitment process would commence promptly upon final approval from the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).
The committee members expressed their concerns over the delay, highlighting the urgency of addressing the critical shortage of personnel in correctional facilities. Hon. Victor Ogene, a member of the committee, underscored the importance of transparency and timeliness in the recruitment process.
In addition to the recruitment initiative, the NCoS has outlined plans for modernization, including the implementation of advanced security systems, biometric scanners, CCTV surveillance, and the upgrading of training institutions to align with modern ICT standards. These efforts aim to create a safer and more efficient environment for both inmates and staff.