The Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Ja’afaru Ahmed, has said all personnel of the Service will undergo training in mediation and conciliation.
He disclosed this at the opening ceremony of a 4-day training exercise for members of Nigerian Correctional Services Officers Wives’ Association in mediation and conciliation on Monday in Abuja.
Ja’afaru said the NCoS Act of 2019 had created a Non-custodial division that will require personnel to obtain skills in mediation and conciliation.
“In a way, the law is providing for conflicts to be resolved, even when they are in court, it can be resolved and settled out of court.
“Therefore, the Correctional officer should have that capacity and that understanding as to how he can mediate and the processes he need to follow in order to resolve conflicts,” he said.
The CG added that the process was already in motion in the implementation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, saying the Deputy Controller General in charge of the Non-custodial service will soon be appointed.
Speaking on the training programme, Ja’afaru said it was important for them to learn how to resolve conflicts from the home front.
He encouraged them to pay attention during the programme and learn the skills in mediation that will ensure a peaceful home.
Speaking earlier, president of the Nigerian Correctional Services Officers Wives’ Association, Hajiya Gwamma Ja’afaru said “by understanding factors that contribute to conflict and their impact on each of the parties, we are in a better position to intervene early and put in place more effective interventions.”
She said participants, numbering 40, were drawn from across the country, adding that 43 were trained in the first batch last year.
