Nigerian Correctional Service Gets New Uniforms

Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has unveiled new uniforms for the Nigerian Correctional Service, saying it denotes renewed vigor and to give inmates new look.

He also commissioned 40 operational vehicles and a block of newly-built ICT Command and Control Rooms at the Service’s Headquarters in Abuja.

The minister, during the commissioning, said the operational vehicles will help enhance operational efficiency, provide speedy access to justice thereby de-congesting custodial centres.

In his speech, Aregbesola, who also presented awards to 25 selected NCoS’ staff for displaying gallantry in the course of discharging their duties, emphasized that the award ceremony is a reminder that the government will always appreciate and reward gallantry, professionalism and patriotism.

He disclosed that the Nigerian Correctional Service is now, in line with what is obtainable internationally, becoming digitised.

Aregbesola noted that all NCoS custodial facilities are red zones, hence should be inviolable. He warned that any intruder that comes near them should pay the full price.

“The change in the name from Nigerian Prisons Service to Nigerian Correctional Service requires a new face in the Service uniform that will reflect Corrections not only as a name but in practice.

“We are also here therefore to unveil the new uniform for NCoS. This uniform symbolises the transition from a punitive prison system to a reformatory corrections system that is now the philosophy of the service,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Haliru Nababa, Controller General of Corrections, explained that the introduction of a new set of uniforms is strategic, as it denotes renewed vigor and readiness to add value to the Service.

“It is gratifying to note profoundly, that NCoS under the present administration has witnessed unprecedented improvement due to the kind of attention the Service has continued to receive from the government.

“Thus, the Service has enjoyed a generous increase in budgetary allocation over the last few years, enabling salient interventions, improvement and landmark achievements,” he said.