By Adebayo Gbeja
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Monday renewed the appointment of the service Parole Board Members.
The NCoS also unveiled the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials.
The Controller General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Nwakuche, formally declared the parole board members reappointed for a second term of three years.
Nwakuche represented by the DCG Human Resources, Ado Sale, said that the parole board at both national and state levels occupied a vital position in strengthening the administration of criminal justice in correctional system.
He said that it served as the institutional mechanism for evaluating eligible inmates for supervised release into the community, based on merit, demonstrated reform, good conduct, and genuine readiness for reintegration.
According to him, the parole system contributes significantly to reducing recidivism, easing the burden on custodial facilities, and promoting safer communities.
“Through this process, deserving inmates are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives as responsible and law-abiding citizens, while remaining subject to appropriate supervision and support.
“Every offender successfully reintegrated into society is one less burden on the criminal justice system and one more potential contributor to the nation’s economy and social fabric”.
The controller revealed that the board drew its membership from the judiciary, relevant federal ministries, the Nigeria Police Force, mental health professionals, the National Directorate of Employment, and civil society.
He noted that the broad composition of the members reflected the multi-sectoral nature of correctional reform in coordinating the administration of the parole process across the federation.
He added that their duty include monitoring and proposing measures to ensure its effective administration; receiving and considering appeals and complaints from offenders, victims, and affected persons; and other functions required for the proper administration of parole.
“These are not minor responsibilities, they go to the very heart of what corrections means. The careful, lawful, and compassionate management of persons transitioning from incarceration back into society,” he said.
Nwakuche further made reference to the first-ever official release of parolees under the NCoS Act 2019, held at Umuahia, noting that it was a proof that the parole system being built was working.
In his remarks, the DCG Non-custodial, Ibrahim Idris said the parole board remained a vital component of the non custodial framework established under the NCoS act 2019.
He said the reappointment reflected the confidence imposed on its members to continue discharging their responsibility, with integrity, fairness, professionalism and unwavering dedication to the principles of correctional administration.
The Chairman, Board of Prisoner Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) Chief Chris Enenya, said the event was a testament to Nigeria’s continued efforts at strengthening the criminal justice system that was fair, humane, efficient, and responsive to the needs of society.
He noted that the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to be unveiled was of high significance in the parole system .
“These materials have been carefully developed to increase awareness, deep understanding and facilitate stakeholder engagement regarding non-custodial measures across the country.
“Public understanding and acceptance are indispensable to the success of parole and other alternatives to incarceration.
“Through effective communication, we can dispel misconceptions,” he said.
NAN