President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a bold step to address overcrowding and bolster the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) by approving the recruitment of 5,000 additional personnel.
Sylvester Nwakuche Ndidi, the Acting Comptroller General of the Service revealed this during a session with the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, led by Hon. Chinedu Ogar.
The Ag. Controller General explained that while the approval was granted in August 2024, the recruitment process was delayed due to funding challenges. However, he assured lawmakers that recruitment would begin once the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) provides the necessary approvals and the 2025 budget allocations are finalized.
Committee members expressed concern over the delay, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the overcrowding crisis. Hon. Victor Ogene, a member of the committee, called for a transparent and timely recruitment process.
“Many of us have raised concerns about whether this recruitment is happening behind closed doors. We demand full transparency and immediate action,” Ogene stated.
In his response, Ndidi attributed the delay to funding issues but noted that the recruitment is now on course following its inclusion in the 2025 budget.
During the presentation, the Acting Comptroller General highlighted the NCoS’s proposed N183.6 billion budget for 2025. The allocations include N127 billion for personnel costs, N45.8 billion for overhead, and N13.4 billion for capital expenditure.
A significant portion of the budget—N38 billion—has been set aside to feed the country’s 91,100 inmates at a daily cost of N1,125 per inmate.
Ndidi also raised concerns about a reduction of N762 million in the capital expenditure allocation and appealed for an additional N70.4 billion to modernize facilities, enhance security, and implement advanced technology in correctional centers.
“To operate effectively, we need modern tools such as CCTV surveillance, biometric scanners, body cameras for staff, and advanced security systems in all facilities,” Ndidi emphasized.
He also outlined plans to upgrade seven training institutions to meet modern ICT standards and procure new operational vehicles and arms to enhance security.
With the President’s directive and adequate financial provisions in the 2025 budget, Ndidi assured lawmakers of transformative reforms in the Correctional Service.
While the recruitment and planned modernization represent significant progress, the success of these initiatives depends on their timely and transparent implementation.