The Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has lauded the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, for his unwavering commitment to the fight against corruption.
Nwakuche made these remarks on Thursday, during a courtesy visit to the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he led a delegation of top NCS officials.
In a statement released on the official website of the EFCC, Nwakuche said “You have created a remarkable track record. I am not here to flatter you, but to acknowledge the value of your work from an external perspective. It is crucial to pay respect to an institution with which we share synergy—one that we hold in high esteem. The EFCC plays a vital role, as we receive its ‘products’ for safekeeping, human custody, and reformation,”
He also praised the dedication of EFCC operatives, acknowledging their sacrifices, including those who lost their lives in service to the nation.
Highlighting key areas of mutual interest, Nwakuche emphasized the need for collaboration between the NCS and EFCC, particularly in officer training, intelligence sharing, and tackling prison congestion.
“As of January 10, 2025, the country’s inmate population exceeded 80,000, with over 53,000 awaiting trial. This represents more than 63% of the total, and addressing this issue requires urgent and strategic intervention,” he noted.
In his response, Olukoyede welcomed the visit and stressed the importance of institutional collaboration in law enforcement.
“In environments where systems function effectively, collaboration and synergy among agencies are prioritized. Our work at the EFCC does not end with prosecution; what happens afterward in the correctional system is equally critical. This is why your agency’s transition from the Nigerian Prisons Service to the Nigerian Correctional Service was necessary—to emphasize rehabilitation and reform,” Olukoyede explained.
He further assured Nwakuche of EFCC’s readiness to share intelligence and support the correctional service in fulfilling its mandate.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. We must work together to actualize the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. Through strong partnerships, we can achieve greater success in strengthening justice administration in Nigeria,” Olukoyede stated.
