The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has recorded a historic breakthrough in correctional administration with the country’s first-ever parole release under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, as the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, announced the reappointment of members of the National and State Parole Boards for a fresh three-year tenure.
Addressing stakeholders during the reappointment ceremony in Abuja, Nwakuche described the development as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s correctional reform journey.
Nwakuche, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Controller, Human Resources, Ado Sale, said the milestone followed the successful release of parolees in Umuahia, Abia State, on June 11, 2026 , the first official parole release since the enactment of the NCoS Act.
He said, “Four days ago, the Nigerian Correctional Service recorded a moment that will be written into the annals of correctional history in this country: the first-ever official release of parolees under the NCoS Act 2019,” the Controller-General said.
He noted that the event demonstrated that the parole system established under the Act was now fully operational, describing it as “living proof” that years of planning and institutional reforms were yielding results.
Nwakuche said the National Parole Board, established under the NCoS Act, plays a critical role in coordinating parole administration nationwide, evaluating eligible inmates for supervised release, handling appeals and complaints, and ensuring uniform implementation across the federation.
He commended members of the Board for their contributions since their inauguration in August 2022, saying their efforts had culminated in the historic parole release recorded in Abia State.
He announced the reappointment of the National Parole Board and the continuation of State Parole Boards across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for another three years, effective immediately.
Charging members to justify the confidence reposed in them, Nwakuche urged them to uphold integrity, transparency, professionalism and fairness in all parole decisions, stressing that their responsibilities directly impact public safety, justice delivery and offender rehabilitation.
He also called on government institutions, criminal justice stakeholders and development partners to continue supporting the parole system, describing offender reintegration as a shared national responsibility.
