The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has built a block of four classrooms for Correctional Centre inmates to enhance their access to education before completing their jail terms.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, made the disclosure during presentation of the state of the art four classrooms to the Correctional Centre at Kirikiri, on Wednesday in Lagos.
Adeniyi said the project, which was dedicated to rehabilitation of the inmates , was built through the Customs Cares Initiative, noting that it would continue to take interventions like this, which is inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He commended all stakeholders for sharing in their success and pledged further commitment to the authority of Correctional Centre that customs would continue to mention the school for its full utilisation.
“My dear inmates, you have the opportunity, I challenge you to make the best use of the facilities, by the time you finish your schooling, you will be a better person.
“You will be well informed and be able to contribute your quota to national development, ” he said.
Also speaking, Controller of Corrections Command in Lagos State, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, who represented Deputy Controller General of Corrections, Amos Kupan, said the project was not just about unveiling a building. It is about restoring hope, and reinforcing the shared belief that correction goes beyond custody.
Kupan said custody must, however, include education, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
He said: ” Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transformation. Within these walls are men who, despite past mistakes, still possess talents and dreams.
“By providing structured classrooms, you have given them a second chance to learn, grow, and prepare for a better future beyond custody,” he said.
Also speaking, the immediate past Area Controller of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Joy Edelduok, said the project was driven by a firm conviction that education remained a vital instrument for genuine rehabilitation, personal transformation, and successful reintegration into society.
Edelduok, now promoted to the rank of Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, said although she had been redeployed from the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, the project remained particularly meaningful to her.
“This fully furnished facility is more than a physical development; it stands as a beacon of hope, renewal, and our shared commitment to strengthening the correctional system through constructive engagement.” Edelduok said.
The Controller, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Controller, Bolaji Adigun, described the project as a beacon of hope for inmates personal development through education.
Adigun said the project being facilitated under the Comptroller-General leadership, is a profound gesture of humanity, which also demonstrated true leadership beyond mandate to touch lives , and offering hopes to inmates.
On his part, Mr Ahmed Bello, a representative from the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Chapter, said the project would significantly improve welfare of the inmates and their daily experiences.
Bello said the project demonstrated that true leadership looked beyond mandates to touch lives, offering hope and tangible support to the inmates of Kirikiri.
He described the project as a legacy of care, particularly in education, that would resonate deeply beyond the center walls.
