Reps to probe the deplorable state of prison inmates, poor working condition of NCS

JONAS EZIEKE, Abuja

Despite huge budgetary allocations to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS } annually the state of health of prison inmates is worrisome and poses huge security risk to the nation’s survival the House of Representatives said on Wednesday.

In a motion of urgent public importance moved by the House Minority Leader Hon.Ndudi Elumelu noted and lamented the worrisome state of health of prison inmates and urged the authorities to adopt modern correctional alternatives to incarceration to address the issue.

Elumelu while debating the motion noted that upon the enactment of the Nigeria Correctional Service Act 2019, Nigeria joined most countries of the world in adopting modern correctional alternatives to incarceration or imprisonment including non-custodial measures.

He further said that he is aware that the extant Act situates the workforce of the NCS as the single most important resource available to the correctional system and thus prioritized the welfare of these officers and men in line with international best practices to propel them to optimal performance.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker said he is disturbed that despite this Act and increase in budgetary allocations to the Nigerian Correctional Service to drive its renewed mandate, the tempo and quality of the Service have remained the same if not retrogressing.

He said: “worried that the working conditions of staff and inmates’ welfare have deteriorated notwithstanding the over N165Billion budget allocations to the Service in the last two years.

“Observed that the Arms Squad unit of the Service still parades obsoletes and substandard weapons despite over N1Billion budget provision for Prison Biometrics, Arms and Ammunition in the 2020/2021 Capital budget; thus, impeding its ability to deter, prevent or respond effectively to both internal and external threats”.

The lawmaker also said that the House is aware of deaths of correctional officers and men across the country following attacks either on escort vehicles or custodial facilities.

He also observed that many staff of NCS still buys or makes their uniform till date regardless of the huge budget allocations provided for this purpose adding that the provision of uniform for inmates is nonexistence in most custodial centers nationwide.

According to the lawmaker, in addition to allegations of non-utilization of budget allocations in the manner prescribed by the National Assembly and administrative incompetence of drivers of change in the rebranded Service, there are also claims of unscrupulous staff promotion, denial of rights and benefits including hazard and duty tour allowances levelled against the management of the Service.

He expressed concerns noting that the demoralizing effects of these allegations, given increasing evidences of susceptibility of some officers and men compromising security of custodial facilities might worsen violations of these facilities and current security challenges in the country.

He was also concerned that the appalling state of custodial facilities and general welfare of inmates, post NCS Act, is worrisome and requires immediate attention.

Consequently, the House presided by the Speaker Hon.Femi Gbajabiamila unanimously adopted the motion with a voice vote.

The House also resolved to mandate the Committee on Reformatory Institutions to investigate these allegations and report back to it within twelve weeks for further legislative action.

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