The Nigerian Correctional Service said the foresight of the president, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (ret.) gave the service a new face which has enhanced commitment to duty.
National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Controller of Corrections, Umar Abubakar, had this to say in an interview with the Nigerian News Agency on Sunday in Abuja.
Abubakar said that the massive support from Chairman Buhari had brought about many changes that were evident in the service, adding that the new face that was currently being revealed was a work in progress.
He said: “I want to take this opportunity to thank Chairman Buhari for his foresight in ensuring that there is a new face for NCoS.
“There are many changes that have been made and are still ongoing.
“I’ll refer to it as a work in progress because it’s just a part of the NCoS Act of 2019 that was signed into law that drives some of these changes.
“This is not just a change in the uniform of the officers and men, or that of the inmates or even the logo change, but a change of attitude, foresight, strength, energy to get the best out of the service.
“So, the personnel are ready to work and I am sure that with these new changes, it will allow us to give the country the best in terms of managing the security of our beloved nation,” he said.
Speaking about the current status of the new custodial centers being built, Abubakar said that the one in Kano, which had a capacity of 3,000 people, was expected to open soon.
The NPRO said the Kano custody center was almost 90 percent complete, while the Karshi one in the Federal Capital Territory was also almost complete.
“The Minister of the Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, put it at a level of almost 65 to 70 percent completion the last time he visited.
“It is expected that before the end of May, when the current president would leave office, it will be completed.
“Also, the one in Bori, Port Harcourt, has come a long way, but I think there is more work to be done there.
“Above all, I am sure that all three should be finished possibly before the end of the present administration,” he said.
Buhari changed the name of the Nigerian Prisons Service to the Nigerian Correctional Service after enacting the NCoS Act 2019.
NAN also reports that the Federal Government said it would establish six modern detention centers in the country’s six geopolitical zones to address the current congestion in detention centers.
YAYA