Nigeria is set to strengthen its correctional system with the recruitment of 5,000 new personnel for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS). This initiative, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities and improve overall service efficiency.
Correctional Service to Recruit 5,000 Personnel in 2025

Announcement by Acting Comptroller General
The Acting Comptroller General of the NCS, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche Ndidi, disclosed this development while addressing the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, led by Mr. Chinedu Ogar.
Mr. Ndidi explained that the recruitment was initially approved in August 2024 but experienced delays due to funding shortages. However, the required financial provisions have now been incorporated into the 2025 budget, allowing the process to move forward.
Delays in Recruitment
Despite the presidential directive, the recruitment could not commence earlier due to the lack of cash backing. Mr. Ndidi emphasized that the recruitment would only begin once the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) provides final approval and confirms the allocated funds.
Budget Allocation for 2025
During his presentation, Mr. Ndidi outlined the NCS’s proposed budget of N183.6 billion for 2025. Key allocations include:
- N127 billion for personnel costs.
- N45.8 billion for overhead expenses.
- N13.4 billion for capital expenditures.
A significant portion, N38 billion, has been reserved for feeding the 91,100 inmates in correctional facilities. This equates to a daily cost of N1,125 per inmate.
Modernization and Facility Improvements
The Acting Comptroller General highlighted the pressing need for additional funds, requesting an extra N70.4 billion to modernize correctional facilities. He outlined plans to:
- Install advanced technology, including CCTV surveillance, biometric scanners, and body cameras for staff.
- Enhance security systems at all correctional centers.
- Upgrade the NCS’s seven training institutions to meet modern ICT standards.
- Acquire new operational vehicles and arms for security personnel.
These upgrades aim to create a safer and more efficient environment for both inmates and staff.
Concerns Over Funding and Implementation
The NCS’s capital expenditure was reduced by N762 million, prompting Mr. Ndidi to stress the importance of securing additional funding to achieve modernization goals.
Committee member Mr. Victor Ogene voiced concerns over the delays, highlighting the urgent need for recruitment to address overcrowding in correctional facilities.
“We have been waiting for months to see progress on this recruitment. Transparency and timely action are crucial,” Ogene said.
Assurance of Progress
The committee chairman, Mr. Chinedu Ogar, pledged to support the NCS in meeting its budget targets and ensuring the smooth implementation of recruitment plans.
“With the president’s directive and financial provisions in place, the NCS is on the path to a significant transformation,” Mr. Ogar stated.
A Step Toward Systemic Reform
The planned recruitment and modernization of the NCS mark a significant step toward addressing the long-standing issues of overcrowding and inadequate staffing in Nigeria’s correctional facilities. Whether these measures will lead to lasting improvements remains to be seen, but they represent a much-needed shift in the country’s correctional system.
This transformative initiative aims to not only enhance the working conditions for NCS personnel but also create a more humane environment for inmates, reflecting the government’s commitment to meaningful reform.