The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has urged Nigerians to stop stigmatising freed inmates.

The Controller of Corrections, NCoS Enugu Command, Nicholas Obiako made the call on Friday when the leader of the Free At Last Nigeria Prison Ministry, Rev. Afam Ikanih visited Enugu Custodial Centre.

Obiako represented by the Deputy Controller of Corrections, in-charge of Enugu Custodial Centre, Joseph Usifo, noted that many freed inmates faced second phase of imprisonment and rejection at home and society at large.

He said many of them were being discriminated against and denied  opportunity to work as every citizen.

According to him, the stigmatisation of the person that served jail term in Nigeria is worrisome as most people believe that they have not changed.

“This is why we want them to get skills before leaving the centre.

“By stigmatising them means we want them to commit another crime so they can come back where they have free food, accommodation and security,” he said.

Obiako said that Enugu custodial centre built with the capacity of 638 inmates now houses 2, 434 inmates, making the centre congested and uninhabitable.

Obiako who described Ikanih as a great partner and supporter of inmates, listed water, toilet facilities and congestion amongst others, as challenges facing the centre.

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“I do not go for money but you can pick a project and fix it. You have been touching lives but here is the best place to touch lives.

“The people here are not the real criminals in the society; i am happy that you are into this kind of humanitarian services,” he told Ikanih.

Responding, Ikanih said he was excited at what the controller said, stressing that in US, they do not call them inmates but residents.

Ikanih who is also the Chaplain, Milwaukee County House of Corrections, Franklin Wisconsin, USA, requested for a space to start a printing press at the custodial centre.

“I have the machines on ground, so the inmates can learn how to design banners and other printing works that will make them productive after serving their jail terms.

“Part of the profit generated will be used to execute projects in other correctional centres in the state.

“This is to replicate what we are doing at Milwaukee County House of Corrections with the resources we have,” he said.

Ikine said that his aim was to fill the gaps by providing support to inmates.

The reverend also appealed to Nigerians to see freed inmates as their neighbours and family and shun any form of stigmatisation against them.

Ikanih who is from Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu visited various skilled acquisition centres in the custodial centre and pledged to support them with modern tools and equipment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the clergyman also donated some items such as shoes, canvass, detergent, toothbrush and others to the inmates.

He NCoS also presented him with a certificate for supporting and helping inmates in Enugu. (NAN)