TD The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) in Akwa Ibom State to rehabilitate deteriorating infrastructure across correctional centres in the state.
The assurance was given by the Akwa Ibom State Representative on the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Abasiandikan Nkono, when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Correctional Service, Akwa Ibom State Command, during a working visit to the Commission’s State Office in Uyo on Wednesday.
The delegation was led by the Akwa Ibom State Controller of Corrections, CC Theophilus Okoka.
Other members included CSC I. W. Ntia, Squadron Commander; CSC Samuel Bassey, Officer-in-Charge of Eket Custodial Centre; SC Ima Jacobs, Secretary to the Controller; DSC Richard Metong, Public Relations Officer; and ASC Etido Edo, Protocol Officer.
Welcoming the delegation, Nkono reiterated the Commission’s commitment to promoting security, human capital development, and social intervention across Niger Delta.
He emphasized that the NDDC’s mandate goes beyond the execution of physical infrastructure projects to improving the lives of people in every sector.
He stressed that the Nigeria Correctional Service, as a key institution within the nation’s security architecture, should not be left out of the Commission’s interventions.
“The Commission has been touching lives, and we cannot be touching lives without extending our interventions to the Correctional Service.
“They should not be exempted,” Nkono said.
He further assured the delegation that the current leadership of the NDDC is responsible, responsive, and proactive in addressing genuine developmental needs rather than merely listening to complaints.
He advised the Correctional Service to formally document its challenges and submit a detailed request for intervention.
Nkono assured them that the Akwa Ibom State Office would ensure the proposal is forwarded to the Commission’s management at the headquarters for necessary consideration and action.
Earlier in his remarks, the Akwa Ibom State Controller of Corrections, CC Theophilus Okoka, commended the NDDC for its developmental interventions across the Niger Delta and appealed to the Commission to extend similar support to correctional facilities in Akwa Ibom State, particularly the custodial centres in Uyo, Eket, and Ikot Abasi.
Highlighting the challenges confronting the facilities, Okoka disclosed that the Uyo Correctional Centre, originally built to accommodate 613 inmates, currently houses more than 1,000 inmates, a situation he described as a reflection of the severe overcrowding facing the facility.
He also lamented the deteriorating state of infrastructure across the correctional centres and appealed for support in critical areas, including the provision of solar-powered lighting systems, access to portable water, and equipment for vocational training workshops.
According to the Controller, the correctional centres currently operate vocational workshops in trades such as barbing, carpentry, hairdressing, and shoemaking, but the facilities lack the tools and equipment required to provide meaningful skills acquisition for inmates.
“We solicit support for solar lighting, portable water, and vocational training for inmates.
“The correctional centres in the state have vocational workshops that require adequate tools and equipment to function effectively,” he stated.
Okoka also appealed to the Commission to provide beddings and mattresses for inmates while inviting NDDC officials to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of the correctional facilities to gain firsthand knowledge of the prevailing conditions.
Speaking on the support received from the state government, the Controller commended the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State for her humanitarian disposition toward inmates.
He disclosed that 101 inmates were recently released on various grounds, including health-related considerations, as part of efforts to decongest the custodial centres.
The Controller further highlighted some of the achievements recorded since assuming office.
He revealed that several inmates have been sponsored to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) while others have received vocational training in barbing, carpentry, and mechanical trades.
He also disclosed that some inmates have been sponsored to pursue higher education through the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), with some advancing to doctoral (PhD) programmes.
In addition, he noted that the Command is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity to certify inmates who have successfully acquired vocational skills, thereby improving their prospects for reintegration into society upon release.
In his vote of thanks, the NDDC State Director, Engr. Evong Evong, expressed appreciation to the Controller of Corrections and members of his delegation for the visit and for the productive engagement.
He thanked the team for their comprehensive presentation on the challenges confronting correctional facilities in the state.
He assured them of the Commission’s commitment to exploring areas of collaboration and addressing the issues raised in line with its mandate.
