Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has achieved a major milestone in the implementation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, with the successful release of 10 Parolees under the parole provisions of the Act. This was contained in a statement signed by JN Osuji, Chief Superintendent of Corrections, Service Pubilc Relations Officer, For: Controller General of Corrections.
The historic event, which took place at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, marks the first practical application of the parole system in Nigeria and represents a significant advancement in the Service’s ongoing correctional reforms aimed at promoting rehabilitation, reintegration, restorative justice, and custodial decongestion.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Controller General of Corrections, CGC Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, the Zonal Coordinator and Assistant Controller General of Corrections, ACG Ngozi Okeke, described the occasion as a defining moment in Nigeria’s correctional history and a major step towards the full implementation of the transformative provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.
The Controller General noted that parole is a globally recognized correctional mechanism that enables carefully selected and deserving inmates to gradually reintegrate into society under supervision while maintaining public safety and accountability. He emphasized that the successful implementation of parole demonstrates the Service’s commitment to balancing justice with rehabilitation and reflects the Federal Government’s resolve to adopt modern and progressive correctional practices.
According to the Controller General, the commencement of parole administration in Nigeria is expected to contribute significantly to the reduction of recidivism, enhancement of offender rehabilitation, strengthening of community reintegration, and decongestion of custodial facilities across the country.
The CGC commended the Abia State Command for pioneering the implementation of the parole system and positioning the State as a model for other Commands. He further expressed profound appreciation to the Chairman and members of the Abia State Parole Board, the Judiciary, and all criminal justice stakeholders whose commitment and collaboration made the successful implementation possible.
The Controller General also specially acknowledged the invaluable support of Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), the International IDEA Programme, the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (ROLAC), and other NGOs, whose partnership and sustained advocacy have contributed immensely to the advancement of correctional reforms and offender reintegration initiatives in Nigeria.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Controller of Corrections, Abia State Command, CC Nwanyanwu Blessing Ifeoma, described the event as a practical demonstration of the Service’s commitment to rehabilitation-focused corrections and expressed appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the successful implementation of the parole process.
The Chairman of the Abia State Parole Board, Hon. Justice Obisike Oji explained that parole is not an act of pardon or clemency but a structured correctional measure designed to facilitate the supervised reintegration of deserving inmates into society. He urged the beneficiaries to remain law-abiding and make productive contributions to their communities.
Goodwill messages were delivered by stakeholders across the justice sector. The President of PRAWA, Professor Uju Agomoh, commended the Nigerian Correctional Service for taking a bold step in operationalizing one of the most important provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019. Representatives of the Judiciary, security agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners also applauded the initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting correctional reforms.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the formal release of the ten parolees drawn from the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Aba and Umuahia, as well as the Custodial Centre, Arochukwu.
To facilitate their successful reintegration into society, the parolees received empowerment and reintegration support packages, including sewing machines, vocational tools, and other livelihood support items through the support and partnership of PRAWA, IDEA, and ROLAC. Financial assistance was also provided to support their transportation and resettlement.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, one of the Parolees expressed profound gratitude to the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Parole Board, PRAWA, IDEA, ROLAC, and other stakeholders for providing them with a second chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.
The Controller General used the occasion to call on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, employers, civil society organizations, and members of the public to embrace and support the reintegration of parolees and other ex-offenders. He stressed that successful reintegration remains a collective responsibility and is essential to reducing reoffending, strengthening public safety, and building safer communities.
The event was attended by members of the Parole Board, judicial officers, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, development partners, civil society organizations, officers and personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service, and members of the public.
The successful implementation of parole in Abia State marks the beginning of a new phase in the evolution of correctional administration in Nigeria and reinforces the Nigerian Correctional Service’s commitment to a humane, rehabilitation-driven, and community-focused correctional system.
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