NCoS Reform: Sylvest Nwakuche's Year of Change

Sylvest Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, MNI, took office as the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) one year ago, embarking on a mission to reform a historically neglected system. Under his leadership, there has been a renaissance in the correctional facilities across Nigeria, with significant renovations and infrastructural upgrades at 20 major facilities, including the headquarters in Abuja.

These changes have included new roofs, modern plumbing, and fortified perimeters, allowing inmates to experience improved living conditions for the first time in decades. Nwakuche's vision was articulated during the Ministry of Interior's annual performance retreat, where he presented a roadmap for decongesting the correctional system, aiming to link all custodial centers to a central command hub by the end of 2026.

His approach has fostered unprecedented transparency and collaboration with civil society organizations, human rights activists, and traditional leaders, marking a pivotal shift in public perception of the correctional system.