Government takes steps to enroll former inmates in nationwide welfare database

The Federal Government has initiated a process to incorporate ex-offenders into the National Social Register, a key component of its efforts to empower vulnerable segments of the population.

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This development is a direct result of a meeting between the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Slyvester Ndidi Nwakuche, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro, in Abuja.

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According to the Service Public Relations Officer, CSC Jane Osuji, the visit underscores the ongoing drive to bolster inter-agency cooperation aimed at rehabilitating and reintegrating inmates into society.

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During the meeting, the Controller-General praised the Minister for the Ministry's far-reaching support of vulnerable groups across the country, while reaffirming the Nigerian Correctional Service's commitment to partnering with the Ministry on initiatives that promote reformation and rehabilitation.

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CGC Nwakuche emphasized the critical need for collaboration in areas such as inmate rehabilitation, capacity development, and agricultural programs within correctional facilities, highlighting the benefits of aligning with the Ministry to facilitate ex-offenders' access to federal social intervention programs.

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This collaboration is seen as essential to enhancing public safety and promoting sustainable reintegration, thereby strengthening the Nigerian Correctional Service's mandate within the criminal justice system, according to CGC Nwakuche.

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The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, welcomed the visit, noting the strong convergence between the Ministry's objectives and those of the Nigerian Correctional Service, particularly in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.

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The Minister assured the Nigerian Correctional Service of the Ministry's readiness to support initiatives that advance inmate welfare and reintegration, reiterating the Ministry's commitment to assisting vulnerable Nigerians through key social intervention platforms.

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The Minister highlighted the National Social Register, which currently captures millions of beneficiaries nationwide, and expressed interest in harmonizing data between the Nigerian Correctional Service and the National Social Register to enable eligible ex-offenders to benefit from government support programs.

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To achieve this, the Minister approved the establishment of a joint technical committee and requested the Nigerian Correctional Service to nominate members to develop a framework for collaboration, as stated in the statement.