The signing into law of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 was part of effort to reform the service.
Since then, the institution has put in place measures to implement the law with adequate focus placed on community service that requires the efforts of everyone with a view to ensuring effective rehabilitation of inmates.
Some of the measures include infrastructure upgrade, staff welfare and training and retraining of officers and men, in line with the non – custodial strategies incorporated into the existing custodial measures such as parole, community service, and restorative justice to improve security and ensure safe custody of inmates.
Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche disclosed this at the passing out parade of two hundred and fifty junior course participants of the Nigerian Correctional Service, at the Correctional Service Training School, Kaduna.
Represented by the Deputy Controller General on Training and Staff Development, DCG, Olanrewaju Amoran, the acting CG said, the completion of the training marked the new beginning of their journey and service to the nation in the area of maintenance of peace and security.
Reminding them of the need to uphold ethical conduct and loyalty, he explained that correctional officers are entrusted with the duty of safeguarding the lives, dignity and rights of those in their custody, toward creating a safe and secure environment for them especially in the areas of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration into the society.
The acting CG charged the officers and men to embrace values and intergrity, fairness and respect for the rules of law, and adhere to codes of conducts that guides the operation of the service, saying they are very core to their daily activities.
“Meanwhile, note that discipline is the bedrock of any successful institutions and Correctional Officers, it’s essential to adhere strictly to the rules and procedures. Indiscipline, in any form compromises not only the security and safety of our facilities but also determines the mission and regulation of our service,
“Avoid any actions that could lead to misconduct or disrepute, know that indiscipline will not be tolerated in the Nigerian Correctional Service. Such behavior risk the safety of your colleagues, the persons in custody and the entire community. We are custodians of both order and rehabilitation, and we must embody the principles of restraints, fairness and accountability at all times”,he said.
DCG, Olanrewaju Amoran emphasized that, they are agents of change and transformation, hence the need for them to strive in creating environment conducive for reformation.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo for providing the Service with enabling environment, and to build the work force of staff for effective service delivery.
Mr. Amoran commended the commandant of the Correctional Service Training School, Mohammed Yahya Fari, the directing staff and instructors for their dedication in building the professional standard of staff of the service.
A total of two hundred and fifty junior staff graduated from the six months basic training course.
There were goodwill messages by government officials, including award of excellence for deserving graduands on academics, drill, behavior and leadership.