In a decisive step to tackle overcrowding and strengthen the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 5,000 new personnel.

The Acting Comptroller General of the Service, Sylvester Nwakuche Ndidi, disclosed this during a presentation to the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, chaired by Hon. Chinedu Ogar.

Ndidi revealed that while the President granted the approval in August 2024, the recruitment process was delayed due to funding constraints.

He assured lawmakers that the recruitment would commence once the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) approves and funding is allocated in the 2025 budget.

During the hearing, committee members expressed frustration over the delay, highlighting the urgency of addressing overcrowding in correctional facilities.

A member, Hon. Victor Ogene, called for transparency in the recruitment process, stressing the importance of timely action.

?Some of us have been inquiring for months whether this recruitment is happening behind closed doors. We will not accept such an outcome. This process should be transparent and timely,? Ogene insisted.

Ndidi explained that the lack of cash backing had stalled the recruitment, but he assured lawmakers that the process would proceed with funding now included in the 2025 fiscal year.

Key allocations included Personnel Costs of N127 billion, Overhead Costs of N45.8 billion and Capital Expenditure of N13.4 billion.

He said significant portion?N38 billion?is earmarked for feeding the country?s 91,100 inmates, at a daily cost of N1,125 per inmate.

The Acting Comptroller General raised concerns about the reduction in capital expenditure by N762 million and called for an additional N70.4 billion to modernize custodial facilities, enhance security, and digitize inmate management.

?To effectively run the service, we need advanced technology, including CCTV surveillance, biometric scanners, body cameras for staff, and state-of-the-art security systems across all correctional centers,? Ndidi stated.

The NCS also plans to upgrade its seven training institutions to meet modern ICT standards and acquire new operational vehicles and arms for security personnel.

He said with President Tinubu?s directive and the inclusion of necessary financial provisions in the 2025 budget, the Correctional Service is poised for significant transformation.

While the recruitment of 5,000 personnel and planned modernization efforts are steps toward addressing long standing issues like overcrowding and insufficient staffing, the effectiveness of these measures will be determined by their timely and transparent implementation. (The Nation)

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