President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Nwakuche Sylvester Ndidi as the Acting comptroller-general of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). The appointment follows the retirement of Haliru Nababa, who served as Comptroller-General for three years and seven months. Nwakuche’s new role becomes effective on December 15, 2024, as announced in a statement by Ahmed Ja’afaru, Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board.
Nwakuche, born on November 26, 1966, hails from Oguta in Imo State. Before his appointment, he served as the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of the Training and Staff Development Directorate. He is also a distinguished fellow of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and holds the national honour of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Outgoing Comptroller-General Haliru Nababa marked the end of his career with a colourful pulling-out parade. Reflecting on his 34-year journey in the service, Nababa expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and highlighted his achievements, including advancements in security, logistics, healthcare services, staff capacity building, and the rehabilitation of inmates. He credited his inclusive management style and support from his team for these successes.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, praised Nababa’s visionary leadership. He commended his dedication to reforming, rehabilitating, and reintegrating inmates in alignment with the government’s vision for public safety and justice. The minister wished him a joyful and fulfilling retirement on behalf of the president.
In his valedictory address, Nababa reflected on the challenges and triumphs of his tenure, emphasising his commitment to improving the welfare of both staff and inmates. He described his retirement as a memorable and fulfilling end to a career that began in 1990 with the then Nigerian Prisons Service.
