The Federal Government has taken steps to integrate ex-offenders into its National Social Register as part of its empowerment initiatives for the vulnerable.

The development was a fallout of the visit of the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service NCoS, Slyvester Ndidi Nwakuche to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro.

According to a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer, CSC Jane Osuji, the visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration for the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.

“During the visit, the Controller-General commended the Honourable Minister for the ministry’s impactful interventions in support of vulnerable populations across the country. He reaffirmed the commitment of NCoS to partner with the Ministry in advancing initiatives that promote reformation, rehabilitation and the successful reintegration of offenders into society.

“CGC Nwakuche emphasized the importance of collaboration in critical areas such as inmates’ rehabilitation and reintegration, capacity development, and agricultural programmes within custodial centres. He noted that aligning with the Ministry would enable ex-offenders to benefit from Federal Government social intervention programmes upon release, thereby easing their transition and reducing the risk of reoffending”, said Osuji.

According to CGC, such collaboration is essential to strengthening the mandate of the Service within the criminal justice system, particularly in enhancing public safety and promoting sustainable reintegration.

In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, described the visit as timely and significant, noting the strong alignment between the Ministry’s mandate and the objectives of the NCoS, especially in addressing the needs of vulnerable groups.

The minister on his part assured of the ministry’s readiness to support initiatives that advance inmates’ welfare and reintegration.

He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to assisting vulnerable Nigerians, highlighting key social intervention platforms such as the National Social Register, which currently captures millions of beneficiaries nationwide.

The minister expressed interest in harmonizing data between the NCoS and the National Social Register to enable eligible ex-offenders benefit from government support programmes.

To this end, he approved the establishment of a joint technical committee and requested nomination from the Service for members to commence work on a framework for collaboration”, the statement added. (Vanguard)

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