Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to tackle the persistent challenges of congestion and overcrowding in custodial centres across the country.
The governor made the appeal when the Zonal Controller of the NCoS in charge of Zone I, Mr. Njoku Akujobi, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa. Governor Diri was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
He stressed that addressing overcrowding, congestion, and inadequate inmate rationing is crucial to achieving meaningful rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. Drawing comparisons with correctional systems in other countries, he noted that the Service must ensure that its treatment of inmates aligns with global standards and the core mandate of reform.
Governor Diri further suggested that some categories of offences could be punished through community service—an approach already adopted in many advanced jurisdictions. He also expressed concern over reported compromises by some prison officials, which have contributed to incidents of jailbreaks.
While commending the Controller of Corrections, Bayelsa Command, Mr. Ikahokhule Imo, for his efforts, he urged the Service to appropriately reward his performance.
He stated:
“Changing the name from Nigerian Prison Service to Nigerian Correctional Service shouldn’t be like a snake shedding its skin without changing character. The real question is: to what extent are we correcting? If an average person is jailed in Nigeria, is their treatment comparable to what obtains elsewhere?
These issues of congestion, overcrowding, and poor rationing must be addressed. Inmates may have committed crimes, but that does not make them less human or strip them of their rights.”
He added that improved collaboration among the police, the courts, and the Correctional Service would help transform the system.
Earlier, Assistant Controller General of Corrections, Zone I, Mr. Akujobi, commended the cordial relationship between the Bayelsa Command and the state government. He explained that his visit formed part of a familiarization tour of custodial facilities in Bayelsa and Rivers states.
Mr. Akujobi also expressed appreciation for the state’s continued support, including the construction of perimeter fencing, prison cells, and the provision of utility vehicles for the Command.
