Nigerian Correctional Service reappoints parole boards, stresses transparency

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has renewed the mandate of its National Parole Board and all 36 State Parole Boards, appointing them for a second three-year term. This decision comes shortly after a significant milestone: the first official release of parolees under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019, which took place in Umuahia, Abia State.

Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, emphasized the importance of integrity, impartiality, and transparency in the parole process. He charged the reappointed members to approach their duties with these principles at the forefront, ensuring effective prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The CG highlighted that the boards assess inmates for supervised release based on merit, demonstrated reform, good conduct, and readiness for reintegration.

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Your contributions over the past three years have been duly noted, assessed, and found worthy of continuation. It is on this basis, and on this basis alone, that I have exercised the power vested in me by the NCOS Act 2019 to reappoint the National Parole Board and affirm the continuation of the State Parole Boards for a further term of three years.

Nwakuche, represented by the Deputy Controller-General of Human Resources, Ado Saleh, described the reappointment as a testament to the outgoing board's valuable contributions over the past three years. He stated that their work had been assessed and found worthy of continuation, leading to the exercise of his power under the NCOS Act 2019 to reappoint them.

Looking ahead, the Controller-General warned that the new term carries heightened expectations and greater responsibilities. He stressed that their decisions would significantly impact public safety and public confidence in the justice system. Nwakuche directed the boards to coordinate parole processes with increased rigor and consistency, ensuring no eligible offender is unfairly denied rehabilitation due to administrative issues or geographical disparities. He also urged objective consideration of each case, guided by facts, societal welfare, victims' interests, and the genuine prospects of rehabilitation.

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I charge you to discharge your duties at all times with utmost integrity, impartiality, transparency, professionalism, and strict adherence to the provisions of the law.