The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has assured that the Commission will partner with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to provide skills training and empowerment opportunities for inmates in custodial centres across the Niger Delta region.
Dr. Ogbuku gave the assurance when the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, paid him a courtesy visit at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.
He stated that the Commission had maintained a long-standing partnership with the Correctional Service, noting that the NDDC had previously included the Service in its Operation Light Up the Niger Delta and Free Medical Services initiatives.
According to him, the new collaboration will ensure that inmates are incorporated into the Commission’s youth internship and training programmes to equip them with practical skills for reintegration into society.
“Considering that prison inmates have fundamental human rights, the NDDC will partner with the Correctional Service to identify areas for intervention, such as the youth internship scheme and training programmes,” Ogbuku said.
“We will select from our database to train inmates in their areas of competence, thereby ensuring sustainability.”
Responding to the Comptroller-General’s appeal for assistance in decongesting custodial facilities, Ogbuku said the Commission was prepared to intervene by supporting the payment of fines for inmates held over minimal penalties, subject to a review of existing laws.
“We are ready to support the decongestion of custodial centres by helping those who cannot afford to pay minimal court fines regain their freedom,” he assured.
The NDDC Chief Executive also urged the Correctional Service to maintain discipline among its officers and eliminate any form of collaboration with inmates in smuggling illicit substances into the facilities.
In his remarks, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche commended the NDDC management for the Commission’s developmental strides and previous interventions in correctional facilities across the Niger Delta.
He appealed for further collaboration in key areas such as agriculture, healthcare, and rehabilitation, noting that NDDC’s contributions had already improved living conditions in several correctional centres.