The Nigerian Correctional Service plans to recruit 5,000 personnel, according to the Acting Controller-General, Sylvester Nwakuche, SAVANNAH NEWSNOW REPORTS.
Nwakuche made this statement while defending the agency’s 2025 budget before the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, chaired by Rep Chinedu Ogar.
He revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the recruitment of 5,000 personnel for the agency in August 2024, but the process was delayed due to a lack of funds to support the new hires.
Ndidi informed lawmakers that the recruitment process would move forward once the CDCFIB gives its approval, with the necessary funding now allocated in the 2025 budget.
Lawmakers, especially Victor Ogene from Anambra, expressed concerns over the delay, stressing the need for recruitment to address the issue of low manpower.
Ogene urged the correctional service to collaborate closely with the committee to ensure the swift implementation of the recruitment exercise.
He said, “Some of us have been inquiring for months about whether this recruitment is happening behind closed doors, and we will not accept such an outcome. This process should be transparent and timely,” Ogene stated.
While responding, Ndidi attributed the delay to the lack of cash backing, which had prevented the service from hiring the 5,000 new personnel despite the presidential directive.
However, he reiterated that the process would begin once funding is officially confirmed.
