Writing By Daniel Karlmax, Editing By Godwin Duru
The Federal Government has commenced the full implementation of a Performance Management System across all paramilitary services as a strategic reform tool to promote accountability and enhance operational efficiency.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this during the Passing Out Parade of the Assistant Superintendent of Corrections (ASC) Basic Course International at the Correctional Service Staff College, Kaduna.
Represented by the Secretary of the Correctional, Civil Defence, Fire Service and Immigration Board, retired Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin, the minister said the reform is aimed at reinforcing discipline, improving training outcomes, and ensuring that officers’ performance aligns with national security priorities within the correctional service.
He emphasized that the Performance Management System is not punitive but transformational, designed to ensure that officers are recognized, rewarded, and promoted based on merit, competence, and integrity.
In line with the reforms, the minister noted that the ministry has sustained timely promotion exercises and expanded access to mandatory career development courses to guarantee continuous and structured professional growth.
On inmate rehabilitation, Dr. Tunji-Ojo stated that the ministry has enhanced academic programmes through the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) special study centres located within custodial facilities nationwide.
He explained that the initiative is based on the understanding that education remains a powerful tool for rehabilitation, reintegration, and long-term national development.
The minister expressed optimism that the comprehensive training had equipped the graduating officers with the requisite knowledge and skills to effectively implement both custodial and non-custodial mandates of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.
He charged the officers to uphold the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by discharging their duties with integrity, discipline, and professionalism.
The reviewing officer further stressed that misconduct, negligence, corruption, or indiscipline would not be tolerated, urging the officers to be guided strictly by the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, which serves as the Service Standing Order.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and timely approvals that made the training possible, noting that the President’s commitment to security sector reform remains exemplary.
A total of 508 newly commissioned officers, including ten international participants from the Republic of The Gambia, graduated from the six-month basic course at the Correctional Service Staff College, Barnawa, Kaduna.
Daniel Karlmax
