Inmates reintegration key to productive citizenry – NCoS boss

The Comptroller General, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr Haliru Nababa says reformation and reintegration of inmates into the society is key to having responsible, empowered and productive citizenry.

Nababa said this during the presentation of income generating materials to 25 ex-convicts on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that the materials were for ex-convicts who acquired vocational skills while serving their prison terms.

This, he said, was in fulfilment of the core mandate of the service of reforming offenders and reintegrating them into the society.

“Today’s symbolic distribution to 25 ex-inmates, flags off the annual aftercare programme for the year 2023 which is expected to be replicated in various Commands across the Federation.

“The essence of this scheme is to retool ex-offenders thereby encouraging them to be productive and self-sustaining.

“This remains the best way to keep them away from crime and criminality, making our communities and the country at large safe, as well as a better place for all,” he said.

The Comptroller General encouraged the beneficiaries to put the tools to good use and work hard to improve their living conditions and become employers of labour.

Nababa called on well meaning Nigerians to wholly accept the reformed citizens, patronise their businesses and desist from stigmatising them.

“Ex-offenders, if not treated with special care and support are likely to return to their old ways hence, rekindling their criminal world and endangering the society.

“The onus lies on us to break the cycle of criminality by helping ex-offenders to fully embrace better life,” he said.(NAN)