Review evaluates adherence of NCoS to rehabilitation and profit-sharing regulations
The Independent Investigative Panel is currently reviewing the Nigerian Correctional Service's (NCoS) compliance with provisions of the NCoS Act 2019, with a particular focus on sections related to rehabilitation, reintegration, and management of enterprise proceeds.
During the third public hearing, discussions focused on sections 10 and 14 of the Act. Section 10 emphasizes identifying causes of antisocial behavior, assessing inmates' risks and needs, and carrying out behavioral modification activities. On the other hand, Section 14 outlines the management of enterprise proceeds, including the mandate that one-third of profits from farms and vocational industries be allocated to inmates, and the creation of a revolving fund to sustain enterprises.
The panel has requested a report on the applicability of Section 14(4)(a) and Section 14(4)(b) on a centre-by-centre, state-by-state basis. This includes detailed figures for each correctional centre on how much has been retained from enterprise proceeds for workshops, as well as timelines, explanations of challenges, and potential support for the NCoS to implement these provisions.
The panel has also directed the NCoS to provide a report on the total number of facilities, the status of each workshop, and details of other activities in place to actualize sections 10, subsections D to H. Additionally, they have asked for a detailed list of all workshops and farm centres, the number of participating inmates, and any trends or lessons that could be drawn from the data.
The panel has emphasized the need for the application of Section 14(4)(b), which requires the creation of a revolving fund to sustain enterprises, and Agomoh, a panel member, mentioned the need for innovation and incentives to recognize correctional centres demonstrating good practices, specifically in the number of inmates engaged in workshops and the variety of enterprises in operation.
Agomoh also confirmed that the panel had received a list of all inmates trained between January and July 2025, as well as the equipment distributed during that period. However, she requested a complete breakdown by correctional centre, type of trade or skill, and whether trade tests were conducted.
Moreover, the issue of aftercare services was discussed, with the panel seeking clarification on whether they would be more effectively utilized under the non-custodial directorate established by the 2019 Act to oversee community-based activities.
Regions such as Lagos, Abuja (Federal Capital Territory), and Rivers State in Nigeria have already implemented Sections 10 and 14 of the NCoS Act 2019 in their correctional centers. Measures introduced include staff training, upgrading of facilities, and the establishment of oversight committees to improve compliance and enforcement.
However, Agomoh did not mention any new facts about the panel's requests for detailed figures for each correctional centre on how much has been retained from enterprise proceeds for workshops, or the Independent Investigative Panel reviewing the NCoS's compliance with provisions of the NCoS Act 2019 or the focus on sections related to rehabilitation, reintegration, and management of enterprise proceeds.
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