Heads of Correctional Services from across Africa have praised the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) for its technology-driven operations and inmate rehabilitation programmes at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kuje, Abuja.
The commendation is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the NCoS Public Relations Officer in the FCT, DSC Duza Adamu.
The delegates gave the commendation during a learning exchange visit held as part of the 2026 African Correctional Services Association (ACSA) Regional Conference on Prisoner Classification and the Use of Technology in Prison Settings in Africa.
The visit formed part of the conference’s practical sessions, giving participants first-hand exposure to Nigeria’s correctional reforms and operational best practices.
The delegates, representing 11 African countries, toured the facility and observed inmate admission procedures, biometric enrolment through the Correctional Information Management System (CIMS), the control room, educational facilities, vocational training centres and rehabilitation programmes.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, ACSA Vice Chairman, Mr Sabila Sawadogo, described the Kuje facility as a model of modern correctional administration.
He said the centre’s strong focus on technology, rehabilitation and skills acquisition reflects international best practices and underscores Nigeria’s commitment to building secure, humane and reform-oriented correctional institutions.
Sawadogo also commended the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, for driving reforms that have transformed the facility into a modern institution dedicated to inmate reformation, rehabilitation and successful reintegration.
“The centre is a clear demonstration of modern correctional administration. Its commitment to technology, rehabilitation and skills development represents the direction correctional systems across Africa should aspire to,” he said.
Welcoming the delegates, the Federal Capital Territory Controller of Corrections, Peter Jen, thanked them for the visit and reaffirmed the NCoS commitment to advancing correctional excellence through innovation, rehabilitation and international collaboration.
Jen said the centre continues to prioritise inmate education and vocational empowerment to equip persons in custody with employable skills for successful reintegration into society.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegates visited vocational workshops where inmates demonstrated practical skills in tailoring, cap and shoe production, bag making, carpentry, ICT, building technology and solar installation.
The exchange visit highlights the growing commitment of African correctional leaders to strengthening regional cooperation, promoting knowledge sharing and advancing evidence-based correctional practices across the continent.
source: NAN
