The Federal Government has charged the newly decorated Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, to justify his appointment by President Bola Tinubu by laying a solid foundation for comprehensive reforms in the Service before November 2026.

Speaking during the decoration ceremony held Friday in Abuja, Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasised the need for urgent transformation within the NCoS, noting that critical areas still require attention to ensure long-term stability and effectiveness of the system.

The Minister urged Nwakuche to leverage his experience to reshape public perception of the Correctional Service, turning it into an institution focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

He also reminded the new CG to treat the over 80,000 inmates across 256 correctional facilities in Nigeria with dignity and humanity, seeing them not as condemned individuals but as people capable of positive change.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo stressed that Nwakuche’s leadership must reflect the values of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by reforming, transforming, and reintegrating inmates into society through a more compassionate and efficient correctional framework.

“The onions are now on you to design and implement strategies for the inmates to add value to the socio-economic development of Nigeria. Do not disappoint Mr President, do not disappoint me, and please ensure that our Correctional facilities become centres for correction and not condemnation.

“It will amount to failure on your part if inmates go back to criminality after serving their terms. You must lead from the front with great ideas…Nigeria has taken you to the top; therefore, give back to the country the best you can offer,” the minister said.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, said the CG has the backing of the Ministry to deliver the targets already set, as everyone is anxious to see positive changes in the Service within the next six months.

Dr Ajani, who congratulated the CG on his appointment, reminded him of the timeline to deliver on his target goals, as records are being taken on the performances of all heads of agencies and parastatals by the government.

In his remarks, the NCoS boss thanked Mr President, the Minister, and the Senate for his appointment, saying that his appointment and decoration as substantive CG of Correctional Service was a defining moment for him and the country.

He said his leadership of the Agency would be anchored on seven core pillars that reflect both urgency and long-term transformation in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Nwakuche listed security, decongestion of prisons, infrastructural development, capacity building and staff welfare, inmates’ welfare, the management of juvenile offenders, and strategic collaboration as areas of focus for his administration.

“Correctional reforms cannot be executed in isolation. I will continue to foster strong relationships with key agencies and development partners to unlock opportunities for system-wide improvement.

“I have already begun this journey. In fact, between 16th December 2024, when I assumed office in acting capacity, and Wednesday, 30th April 2025, I have met with more than 25 heads of Government Agencies and other critical stakeholders.

“These engagements are already yielding results and will form the basis of stronger institutional partnerships moving forward,” the Controller-General said.