-
Ikiodiete George
- 2 Min Read
Functions Of Nigerian Correctional Service: Their Roles & Responsibilities
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) is the government agency in charge of Nigeria’s prisons. It used to be called the Nigerian Prisons Service, but the name changed in 2019 when the Correctional Service Act was passed.
The NCoS does more than just lock people up. It helps prisoners change, learn, and become useful again in society. Let’s take a look at what this important agency does.
Main Functions of the Nigerian Correctional Service
Here are the top roles and responsibilities of the NCoS:
1. Keeping Inmates Safe and Secure
The NCoS is responsible for guarding prisoners and making sure they don’t escape. They protect both the inmates and the prison workers.
2. Reforming and Rehabilitating Prisoners
The agency helps inmates become better people. They do this by giving them counseling, education, and skill training. This helps them stay out of trouble after they leave prison.
3. Providing Health Care and Welfare
The NCoS gives medical care to prisoners. They also make sure inmates have food, water, clean clothes, and a safe place to stay.
4. Running Correctional Centers
They manage all the correctional (prison) facilities in the country. This includes both regular prisons and special centers for inmates with mental health issues.
5. Vocational and Educational Training
Prisoners can learn things like carpentry, farming, tailoring, or how to read and write. This training helps them find jobs after release.
6. Making Sure Inmates Follow the Law
The NCoS maintains order inside the prisons and ensures that inmates follow rules and respect others.
7. Helping with Community Service Sentences
Not all offenders go to jail. Some are told to do community service. The NCoS supervises them to make sure they complete their punishment properly.
Summary Table: Roles & Responsibilities of NCoS
| Function | Description |
| Prison Security | Guards inmates and prevents escapes |
| Inmate Rehabilitation | Helps inmates change through education and training |
| Health & Welfare Services | Provides food, healthcare, and shelter |
| Management of Prisons | Runs and maintains correctional facilities |
| Vocational & Academic Training | Teaches inmates skills for life after prison |
| Enforcing Discipline | Keeps peace and law within the prisons |
| Community Sentence Supervision | Oversees offenders doing non-prison punishments |
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the main job of the Nigerian Correctional Service?
A: To keep inmates in safe custody and help them become better people.
Q2: Do prisoners get education in Nigerian prisons?
A: Yes. Inmates can learn skills, attend classes, and take part in training programs.
Q3: Is the NCoS the same as the old Nigerian Prisons Service?
A: Yes. It changed its name in 2019 after a new law was passed.
Q4: Does NCoS only work with prisoners?
A: No. They also work with people doing community service and help prevent crime in society.
Conclusion
The Nigerian Correctional Service is not just about locking people up. Its goal is to change lives and make Nigeria safer. By keeping inmates secure, giving them education, and helping them live better lives, the NCoS plays a big role in building a better future for everyone.
