The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has asserted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s foresight gave the service a new face that has enhanced its commitment to duty.

The national spokesperson of the NCoS, Umar Abubakar, made the assertion in an interview on Sunday in Abuja.

“There are a lot of changes that have been done and are still ongoing,” he said. “I will refer to it as a work in progress because it is just part of the 2019 NCoS Act that was signed into law that brings about some of these changes.”

Mr Abubakar said Mr Buhari’s massive support has brought about many changes evident in the service, adding that the new face unveiling was a work in progress.

“This is not a change in just the uniform of the officers and men or that of the inmates or even the change of logo, but a change in attitude, foresight, strength, energy to bring out the best from the service.

“So the personnel are ready to work, and I’m sure that with these new changes, it will enable us to give the country the best in terms of security management of our dear nation,“ he said.

Speaking about the current status of the new custodial centres being constructed, Mr Abubakar said the one in Kano, which was a 3000-capacity facility, was expected to be commissioned soon.

The spokesperson said the Kano custodial centre was almost 90 per cent completed, while that of Karshi in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was also near completion.

“The Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, put it at almost 65 to 70 per cent of completion the last time he visited.

“It is expected that before the end of May, when the current president leaves office, it will be completed.

“Also the one taking place in Bori, Port Harcourt has gone far, but I think there is more work to be done there.

“Above all, I’m sure the three should be completed possibly before the end of the present administration,” he said.

Mr Buhari changed the name of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS) to Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) after signing the NCoS Act 2019 into law.

The federal government said it would establish six modern custodial facilities in the six geo-political zones in the country to address current congestion in custodial centres.

(NAN)