The Federal Government has issued a strong directive to Public Relations Officers serving across all commands of the Nigerian Correctional Service, urging them to strengthen their media engagement strategies as part of efforts to ensure professionalism and build public trust in the institution.
Capacity Building Workshop for PROs
Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, delivered this crucial message during a three-day Capacity Building Workshop specifically designed for all agency spokespersons. The significant event, held on Monday in Abuja, was organized through a collaborative partnership between the Nigerian Correctional Service, Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), the International IDEA, and the European Union.
Nwakuche emphasized that establishing effective, professional, and equitable interactions with media organizations would not only cultivate greater public confidence but would also enable the NCoS to fully achieve its constitutional responsibilities. He described public relations as a fundamental component of the ongoing transformation within the correctional service system.
Public Relations as Transformation Cornerstone
The Controller-General stressed the critical timing of this training initiative, noting that it coincides with the Service's comprehensive reform agenda. "Effective public relations is not optional; it is an essential driver of our legitimacy, operational transparency and public confidence," Nwakuche declared during his address to participants.
He highlighted several deliberate measures the Service has recently implemented to enhance its communication framework, including expanding stakeholder engagement and promoting its core commitments to safe custody, humane treatment, and offender reformation.
Nwakuche revealed that among his initial priorities upon assuming leadership was strengthening the Public Relations Unit through increased funding allocation, provision of modern communication equipment, and intensified media engagement at all operational levels.
Visible Results and Future Commitments
The reforms are already demonstrating positive outcomes, according to the NCoS boss. "We are already witnessing the impact of these reforms," he stated, pointing out that media representation of the Correctional Service has become more balanced, resulting in improved public understanding of the institution's mandate.
Describing the participating PROs as the Service's "frontline ambassadors," Nwakuche commended the national headquarters Public Relations Officer for demonstrating proactive leadership and praised command-level PROs for their effective work in crisis communication and community engagement. He noted that their dedication has substantially contributed to the institution's renewed public confidence.
The Controller-General encouraged all PROs to actively participate in the three-day program, share their field experiences with colleagues, and implement the knowledge gained when they return to their respective commands.
Nwakuche concluded by reaffirming his commitment to providing continuous support and necessary resources to the Public Relations Unit, expressing confidence that the Nigerian Correctional Service will emerge as a more visible, trusted, and respected institution.
Earlier during the event, Dr. Uju Agomoh, Founding Executive Director of PRAWA, emphasized that public perception of the Nigerian Correctional Service directly determines the level of confidence Nigerians place in the institution. She stressed the pivotal role of the Service's media spokespersons in ensuring that the agency increases both the quality and quantity of media coverage concerning its activities and reforms.
