NCoS Inaugurates Reappointed Parole Board Members, Unveils Non-Custodial Awareness Materials
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has inaugurated reappointed members of the National and State Parole Boards for a new three-year tenure and unveiled Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials aimed at deepening public awareness of non-custodial measures across the country.
The landmark event, held at the NCoS National Headquarters in Abuja, was organised in partnership with the Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) and the International IDEA. It brought together members of the National and State Parole Boards, civil society organisations and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s criminal justice sector.
Representing the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, the Deputy Controller-General of Corrections in charge of Human Resources, Ado Sale, PhD, mni, formally inaugurated the board members and welcomed them to a second term of office.
He charged the reappointed members to strengthen coordination of parole administration nationwide, monitor implementation processes, address appeals and complaints from offenders, victims and affected persons, and recommend measures to enhance the effectiveness of the parole system.
DCG Sale commended the board members for their diligence, professionalism and patriotism during their first tenure, noting that their efforts culminated in landmark achievements, including the historic parole release of 10 inmates in Umuahia. He stressed that parole remains a critical correctional tool for reducing recidivism, easing congestion in custodial centres and promoting safer communities.
In his welcome address, the Deputy Controller-General of Corrections overseeing the Directorate of Non-Custodial Service, IN Idris, Esq., described the inauguration as a reaffirmation of the Service’s commitment to justice, rehabilitation, reintegration and public safety.
According to him, the Parole Board remains a cornerstone of the non-custodial framework established under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, providing deserving inmates with structured opportunities for supervised reintegration into society.
He noted that the board’s objective assessment of parole applications and evidence-based recommendations have significantly contributed to custodial decongestion and the successful implementation of non-custodial measures across the country.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of PRAWA, Mr. Chris Eleya, described the occasion as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s correctional reform journey.
He noted that the enactment of the NCoS Act, 2019, ushered in a new era of correctional administration by providing a robust legal framework for parole, community service, restorative justice and other alternatives to imprisonment.
Mr. Eleya emphasised that the effectiveness of parole as a rehabilitation and reintegration mechanism depends largely on the integrity, professionalism and commitment of members of the National and State Parole Boards. He urged the reappointed members to continue ensuring that parole is administered in line with the principles of justice, accountability, public safety and the rule of law while adding that the newly unveiled IEC materials are designed to increase public awareness, deepen understanding and strengthen stakeholder engagement on non-custodial measures nationwide.
Delivering goodwill remarks on behalf of International IDEA, Mr. Joshua Dada congratulated the board members on their reappointment and commended their contributions to advancing parole administration in Nigeria. He encouraged them to build on the successes of their first tenure and pursue even greater impact in the years ahead.
The event also featured reflections from several State Parole Board Chairpersons, including:
* Hon. Justice Obisike Oji (Abia State)
* Hon. Justice Alero Edodo-Esoagha (Edo State)
* Hon. Justice S.B. Candide-Johnson (Lagos State)
* Hon. Justice Roseline Sha (Plateau State)
The chairpersons shared experiences from their first tenure, highlighted lessons learned and outlined priorities for strengthening parole implementation during the new term.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the National Parole Board, Justice Suleiman Galadima (Rtd.), Prof. Michael Ezenwa reaffirmed the board’s commitment to promoting effective, transparent and accountable parole administration across Nigeria.
The ceremony concluded with the official unveiling and presentation of the Non-Custodial IEC materials, alongside the presentation of Excellence and Leadership Awards to the Parole Board members in recognition of their outstanding contributions to advancing parole implementation and correctional reform in Nigeria.
