By Chimezie Godfrey
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to enhance social protection and ensure effective rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, stated this while receiving the Comptroller-General of NCoS, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, and his management team during a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Doro described the visit as timely, noting that inmates represent a vulnerable segment of society that is often overlooked.
He said, “Caring for the vulnerable is a shared national responsibility that must be pursued without discrimination, regardless of location or circumstance.”
The minister commended the leadership of the correctional service for its commitment to inmate welfare and rehabilitation, adding that such efforts reflect a strong sense of duty.
He disclosed that the ministry is implementing reforms to improve the targeting, transparency and impact of social intervention programmes.
According to him, collaboration with institutions like the NCoS will help ensure that government interventions reach intended beneficiaries.
Doro explained that the National Social Register currently captures over 19.7 million households nationwide and serves as a key tool for identifying vulnerable populations.
He added that integrating data from correctional centres into the register would enhance inclusiveness and accountability.
The minister also highlighted the ministry’s poverty graduation framework, which focuses on moving beneficiaries from temporary support to sustainable economic independence through skills acquisition, access to assets, financial inclusion and mentorship.
Earlier, Nwakuche appreciated the ministry’s willingness to collaborate, stressing the need for stronger institutional partnerships to improve rehabilitation and post-release support for inmates.