The Nigerian Correctional Service says it spent over N1.047 billion on the welfare of 1,024 serving, retired, and deceased personnel in 2024.

The acting controller general of NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, said this at a ceremony on Wednesday in Abuja to mark the 19th anniversary of the Correctional Welfare Insurance Scheme.

Mr Nwakuche, who said the theme was both timely and significant, added that it underscored the crucial role that welfare insurance played in safeguarding the well-being of the personnel.

He said they contributed to the security and justice sectors of the nation through their dedication and sacrifice.

He also said that the annual gathering presented a valuable opportunity for the personnel to reflect on the scheme’s operations, assess its impact, and develop new strategies to enhance its effectiveness in line with current economic realities.

“It is important to highlight that, between January and December 2024, CWIS successfully disbursed N188,734,500 as death benefits to the families of 138 deceased personnel. Additionally, 886 medical and retirement claims amounting to N858,951,523 were settled.

“In aggregate, 1,024 beneficiaries received a total sum of N1,047,686,023 within the period under review. These figures reflect our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our personnel and their families,” he said.

Mr Nwakuche said the NCoS was responsible for ensuring the safe, secure, and humane custody of individuals committed by courts of competent jurisdiction.

He also mentioned that the nature of the duty was demanding and high-risk, requiring unwavering commitment and resilience from the officers and men.

Mr Nwakuche also urged all NCoS personnel to extend their full cooperation to the CWIS team, recognising that the scheme’s success was in their collective best interest.

In her welcome address, the CWIS secretary, Hannatu Mamman, said that the annual workshop had remained a watershed in the annals of the NCoS.

Ms Mamman said it had initiated reforms that have expanded the frontiers of personnel welfare among correctional officers.

High points of the event were presentations of awards to past controller generals, executive members of the CWIS, officers and men who have shown dedication and hard work, and group photographs, among others. 

(NAN)