President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Nwakuche Sylvester Ndidi as the Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), effective December 15, 2024. This follows the retirement of Haliru Nababa, who has served in the position for the past three years and seven months. The announcement was made in a statement by Ahmed Ja’afaru, Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board.
Nwakuche Ndidi, born on November 26, 1966, hails from Oguta, Imo State. Before his new appointment, Ndidi served as the Deputy Comptroller-General responsible for the Training and Staff Development Directorate. He is a distinguished fellow of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and has been honored with the national award of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Haliru Nababa, the outgoing Comptroller-General, marked his retirement with a grand ceremony, reflecting on his distinguished 34-year career in the service. During his tenure, Nababa implemented significant reforms in security, staff development, inmate welfare, and healthcare services. He credited his inclusive management style and the unwavering support from his team for these achievements, expressing pride in the progress made under his leadership.
Interior Minister, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who was represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Magdalene Ajani, commended Nababa for his visionary leadership and steadfast dedication to reforming the Nigerian Correctional Service. The minister highlighted Nababa’s focus on rehabilitating inmates and ensuring public safety, which aligned with the government’s broader vision for justice and societal transformation. On behalf of President Tinubu, Dr. Ajani wished Nababa a fulfilling and joyful retirement.
In his farewell address, Nababa looked back on his journey, which began in 1990 with the Nigerian Prisons Service, emphasizing his commitment to improving conditions for both staff and inmates. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities and challenges he encountered throughout his career, describing his retirement as a proud and rewarding conclusion to a long and impactful service.
