By Adebayo Gbeja
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has inaugurated a second Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project Delivery Committee to oversee the implementation of key infrastructure and rehabilitation projects across the country.
The Service Public Relations Officer, CSC Jane Osuji, who said this on Thursday in Abuja, noted that the inauguration marked another significant step in the Service’s reform agenda.
Osuji noted that it also demonstrated its commitment to leveraging private sector expertise and investment to improve correctional infrastructure, staff welfare, and inmate rehabilitation.
She said the newly inaugurated Committee would supervise the delivery of strategic PPP projects, including the establishment of Correctional Farm Centres in Adim, Cross River State, and Itu, Akwa Ibom State.
According to her, the Committee will also oversee the development of modern residential estates for correctional personnel at Goron Dutse and Kurmawa in Kano State.
She quoted the Controller-General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Nwakuche, as describing the development as a major milestone in the Service’s efforts to ensure structured, transparent, and accountable implementation of approved partnerships.
Nwakuche said the projects were designed to translate into measurable benefits for inmates, personnel, and host communities.
According to him, the projects represent landmark interventions approved under the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) framework and support the core mandates of the Service as provided under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.
“The housing development project, being executed in partnership with Tamidan Nigeria Ltd, is expected to significantly enhance the welfare and living conditions of officers and men of the Service through the provision of modern residential estates.
“Similarly, the Correctional Farm Centres project, undertaken in collaboration with Vians 100 % Nigeria Ltd., is aimed at strengthening inmate rehabilitation and reintegration through agricultural training.
“It will also increase food production, vocational skills acquisition, and sustainable post-release empowerment opportunities,” he said.
The CGC said both initiatives aligned with ongoing reforms within the Service and underscored the commitment of the present administration to creating a correctional system that prioritises rehabilitation, productivity, and human capital development.
Responding on behalf of the Committee, the Deputy Controller-General of Corrections in charge of Works and Logistics, Amos Kupan, appreciated the Controller-General for the confidence reposed in the members.
Kupan described the inauguration as a historic development and assured stakeholders that members of the Committee would discharge their responsibilities with diligence, transparency, and accountability to guarantee successful project delivery and value for public investment.
Also speaking, representatives of the project partners reaffirmed their commitment to the successful execution of the projects.
Speaking on behalf of Vians 100% Nigeria Ltd., Oji-Okoro Kenechi pledged the company’s dedication to excellence and timely delivery.
Similarly, the Director of Operations and Productivity of Tamidan Nigeria Ltd, Alhaji Dahiru Sabiu, assured stakeholders that the company would justify the confidence placed in it through quality project execution.
Earlier, the Officer-in-Charge of NCoS Public-Private Partnerships, Assistant Controller of Corrections EC Onuka, highlighted the achievements of the Service’s PPP programme.
Onuka explained that the establishment of the Committee became necessary to strengthen project oversight, monitor compliance, and safeguard government interests throughout the implementation process.
He noted that the newly inaugurated team was the second PPP Project Delivery Committee established by the Service.
According to him, the first Committee successfully coordinated the concessionary process that led to the establishment of a Shoe and Garment Factory in Aba, Abia State, and a Ternary Factory in Kano State.
He said both factories continued to support inmate vocational training, productivity, and rehabilitation.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by the Deputy Controller-General overseeing the Inmates Training and Productivity Directorate, Nicholas Obiako.
Obiako commended the Controller-General for his visionary leadership and commitment to innovative partnerships transforming correctional administration in Nigeria.
He also appreciated development partners and private sector stakeholders for their continued support toward advancing the Service’s reform agenda.(NAN)
Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
