Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has taken another significant step in its reform agenda with the inauguration of a second Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project Delivery Committee to oversee the implementation of key infrastructure and rehabilitation projects across the country. This was contained in a statement signed by JN Osuji, Chief Superintendent of Corrections Service Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service.
The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, inaugurated the Committee at the Service National Headquarters, describing the development as a major milestone in the Service’s efforts to leverage private sector expertise and investment to improve correctional infrastructure, staff welfare, and inmate rehabilitation.
The newly inaugurated Committee is charged with supervising the delivery of strategic PPP projects, including the establishment of Correctional Farm Centres in Adim, Cross River State, and Itu, Akwa Ibom State, as well as the development of modern residential estates for correctional personnel at Goron Dutse and Kurmawa in Kano State.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Controller-General stated that the inauguration marks the beginning of a structured, transparent, and accountable implementation phase aimed at ensuring that approved partnerships translate into measurable benefits for inmates, personnel, and host communities.
According to him, the projects represent landmark interventions approved under the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) framework and are designed to support the core mandates of the Service as provided under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.
The housing development project, being executed in partnership with Tamidan Nigeria Ltd, is expected to significantly enhance the welfare and living conditions of officers and men of the Service through the provision of modern residential estates.
Similarly, the Correctional Farm Centres project, undertaken in collaboration with Vians 100% Nigeria Ltd, is aimed at strengthening inmate rehabilitation and reintegration through agricultural training, increased food production, vocational skills acquisition, and sustainable post-release empowerment opportunities.
The Controller-General emphasized that both initiatives align with ongoing reforms within the Service and underscore the commitment of the present administration to creating a correctional system that prioritizes rehabilitation, productivity, and human capital development.
Responding on behalf of the Committee, the Deputy Controller-General of Corrections in charge of Works and Logistics, Amos Kupan, PhD, mni, expressed appreciation to the Controller-General for the confidence reposed in the members.
He described the inauguration as a historic development and assured stakeholders that members will discharge their responsibilities with diligence, transparency, and accountability to guarantee successful project delivery and value for public investment.
Representatives of the project partners also reaffirmed their commitment to the successful execution of the projects. Speaking on behalf of Vians 100% Nigeria Ltd, Oji-Okoro Kenechi pledged the company’s dedication to excellence and timely delivery, while the Director of Operations and Productivity of Tamidan Nigeria Ltd, Alhaji Dahiru Sabiu, assured stakeholders that the company would justify the confidence placed in it through quality project execution.
Earlier, the Officer-in-Charge of NCoS Public-Private Partnerships, Assistant Controller of Corrections EC Onuka, highlighted the achievements of the Service’s PPP programme and explained that the establishment of the Committee was necessary to strengthen project oversight, monitor compliance, and safeguard government interests throughout the implementation process.
He noted that the newly inaugurated team is the second PPP Project Delivery Commiittee established by the Service. The first Committee successfully coordinated the concessionary process that led to the establishment of a Shoe and Garment Factory in Aba, Abia State, and a Ternary Factory in Kano State, both of which continue to support inmate vocational training, productivity, and rehabilitation.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by the Deputy Controller-General overseeing the Inmates Training and Productivity Directorate, Nicholas Obiako, who commended the Controller-General for his visionary leadership and commitment to innovative partnerships that are transforming correctional administration in Nigeria.
He also appreciated development partners and private sector stakeholders for their continued support towards advancing the Service’s reform agenda.
The inauguration of the Committee further reinforces the Nigerian Correctional Service’s commitment to building strategic partnerships that enhance staff welfare, strengthen correctional infrastructure, promote inmate rehabilitation, and contribute to national development.
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