Nigerian Correctional Service Portal

The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, led a high-level delegation to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Headquarters, Abuja to commission 39 Mini Green Maria Operational Vehicles and 5 Bullet-Resistant Guard Booths. This strategic intervention is aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of the Service in line with its statutory responsibilities.

In his address, the Honourable Minister emphasized the critical role of the newly acquired vehicles in ensuring the safe, secure, and timely conveyance of inmates to and from courts, thereby facilitating the expeditious dispensation of justice. He charged the Service to ensure the efficient utilization of these assets strictly for their intended purpose. Furthermore, he commended the Acting Controller General of Corrections for his exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to repositioning the NCoS. The Minister also acknowledged the dedication of all personnel in advancing the Service core mandates of custodial reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to security sector reforms, the Minister highlighted Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes the transformation of the Correctional Service. He assured the Acting CGC of his support in driving ongoing reforms to strengthen institutional efficiency and effectiveness.

In his welcome address, the Acting Controller General of Corrections described the event as a significant milestone in the continuous efforts to enhance the operational capacity of the Service. He emphasized that deploying the new vehicles is a direct response to contemporary security challenges, particularly in ensuring the timely and secure production of inmates in court. He further noted that beyond facilitating court appearances, the operational vehicles will play a vital role in addressing the longstanding issue of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATP) in custodial centres.

The Acting CGC extended profound appreciation to His Excellency, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continued commitment to reforming the Correctional Service and for approving the procurement of these vehicles. He also expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his relentless efforts and steadfast support, which facilitated the realization of this achievement.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including representatives of the Chairman Senate Committee on Interior, the Chairman House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, the Secretary to the CDCIFB, Heads of Agencies under the Ministry of Interior, Directors from the Ministry of Interior, retired Controllers General, and other distinguished guests.