Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday approved the appointment of Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche as the substantive Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), following President Bola Tinubu’s nomination last week.
The confirmation came after the Senate Committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo North), presented a favorable report on Nwakuche’s qualifications and suitability for the role.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio charged the new prisons chief to prioritize tackling Nigeria’s escalating jailbreak crisis, stating: “Your appointment comes at a critical juncture when our correctional facilities face unprecedented security challenges.”
The directive follows multiple high-profile prison attacks, including:
- 2022 Kuje Prison breach freeing 800 inmates
- 2021 Owerri Correctional Center attack releasing 1,800 prisoners
- Recent foiled escape attempts in Suleja and Koton Karfe facilities
Legal Mandate & Expectations
Nwakuche’s appointment complies with Section 10 of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019, which requires Senate confirmation for the service’s leadership.
As CG, his key mandates include:
- Modernizing Nigeria’s 244 correctional facilities
- Implementing non-custodial alternatives to decongest prisons
- Enhancing security architecture at detention centers
- Improving welfare for both inmates and personnel
ADBN TV will track the new CG’s reform agenda and its impact on Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Career Profile:
- Over 30 years in correctional service administration
- Previously served as Deputy Comptroller-General (Operations)
- Holds advanced degrees in security studies and public administration
