By Ameh Gabriel
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) on Friday, 2 May 2025, held a landmark ceremony to decorate SN Nwakuche as the substantive Controller-General of Corrections in an event marked by high-profile endorsements and a charge to deliver transformative reforms.
Speaking at the ceremony is the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who gave a heartfelt address and charged the new CG, urging him to approach his leadership with focus, purpose, and clarity.
“Today marks the beginning of your leadership script,” the Minister said. “From this moment, you must be able to answer the ‘WHAT’ questions: what is your mandate, how will you achieve it, and when will you deliver on it? Your timeline should be specific, and this is not just about titles; it’s about transformation, about results, about leaving a legacy.”
The Minister who officiated the ceremony commended Nwakuche’s dedication and vision, urging him to translate his plans into measurable improvements across the Service.
“This is not just a promotion; it is a call to action. We expect to see real change in security, decongestion, and rehabilitation. Nigerians are watching, and your success will be measured by outcomes, not promises,” the Minister charged.
The Minister also cautioned and encouraged the new CG, “not to be distracted but rather stay focused. Your performance will determine your legacy, and the Nigeria Correctional Service must become a symbol of excellence and reform under your leadership.”
On his part, Hon. Chinedu Ogar, Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, encouraged the new CG to embrace the trust placed in him.
“CG Nwakuche, the nation is watching. We trust your ability to reform our correctional system. Parliament will stand by you to support the laws and resources needed to succeed, but you must lead with vision and integrity.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, offered brief but impactful remarks, saying, “This is a defining moment not just for the NCoS but for Nigeria. We believe CG Nwakuche will set new standards of excellence.”
In his appreciation speech, newly decorated Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for the trust and responsibility bestowed upon him.
“With the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President and the NCoS Act as my compass, my administration will be anchored on seven core pillars,” CG Nwakuche stated, outlining a comprehensive roadmap for reform and transformation within the service.
The seven strategic pillars include:
- Security and Safe Custody of Inmates: Ensuring that correctional facilities remain secure while protecting the rights and dignity of inmates under custody.
- Aggressive Decongestion: Tackling the overpopulation of correctional centers, particularly by addressing the large number of inmates awaiting trial. This will be achieved through close collaboration with the judiciary, state governments, and key stakeholders to promote non-custodial sentencing, bail reforms, and expedited court processes.
- Infrastructure Development: Upgrading and expanding correctional facilities across the country to meet global standards and improve service delivery.
- Capacity Building and Staff Welfare: Investing in the training and re-training of personnel to boost professionalism, morale, and operational efficiency, while prioritizing staff welfare, promotions, and working conditions.
- Inmates’ Welfare: Improving the standard of living for inmates by enhancing access to healthcare, education, skills acquisition, and rehabilitation programs to support successful reintegration into society.
- Effective Management of Juvenile Offenders: Strengthening systems to handle juvenile offenders through dedicated facilities and age-appropriate rehabilitative measures aimed at reform rather than punishment.
- Strategic Collaboration: Fostering partnerships with local and international stakeholders, including civil society organizations, development partners, and relevant government agencies, to support correctional reforms.
CG Nwakuche pledged to pursue these goals with dedication and transparency, promising a correctional system that aligns with international best practices and delivers justice with humanity.
Nwachuke noted that “This is a mission of urgency and transformation. Together with my team, I will work tirelessly to deliver a correctional system that reflects the hopes of this administration and the aspirations of all Nigerians.”
