In an expected move, the Federal Government has upgraded the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Kuje and Suleja, the traditional detention centres for most of the nation’s high-profile inmates – from Senator Orji Kalu to former House Leader, Farouk Lawan.
The upgrading was done to improve the living conditions and rehabilitation of inmates in the centres, the government said.
Speaking during a facility tour on Tuesday – yesterday, January 7 – the Acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, attributed the upgrades to the need to reach out to inmates and provide them with opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The upgrades include the expansion and equipping of the clinic with modern medical equipment, such as an ultramodern scanner and physiotherapy equipment, as well as the construction of a new command and control unit for real-time monitoring of the facility.
Nwakuche said: “The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has shown great commitment to bettering the welfare of personnel of the NCoS as well as inmates,” adding that the Minister’s efforts have transformed the facilities, providing inmates with a more conducive environment for rehabilitation and reformation.
“The Minister’s commitment to improving the welfare of both personnel and inmates is evident in the upgrades, which include the provision of quality medical care to inmates, addressing their health needs and promoting their overall wellbeing.
“The clinic at the Kuje facility has been expanded and equipped with modern medical equipment, including an ultramodern scanner, physiotherapy equipment, X-ray machine, and a standard medical laboratory,” he said.
In another development, Nwakuche has emphasised NCoS’s zero-corruption policy, warning that promotions are based on merit to boost morale and promote excellence.
The Acting NCoS boss has also warned that “any misconduct would be met with disciplinary action”, urging officers and men of the Service to “maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, ensuring that the agency’s reputation was upheld.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted Nwakuche as assuring that NCoS is working studiously to ensure that all inmates are safely and humanely detained, whilst also providing them with opportunities for rehabilitation and reformation.
