Chisco Donates Two Buses to Ikoyi Custodial Centre, Backs Inmate Rehabilitation

The Chisco Group has donated two buses to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, to improve the transportation of awaiting-trial inmates to court and support rehabilitation efforts.

The buses, which can collectively transport up to 100 people at a time subject to approved seating and security arrangements, were presented as part of activities marking the 70th birthday of Chisco Group Founder and Executive Chairman, Chief Chidi Anyaegbu, MFR, CON.

The company said the vehicles would be fully maintained and used to strengthen the centre’s ability to transport awaiting-trial inmates safely and promptly for court proceedings.

Anyaegbu, supported by Chisco Transport Limited and Machine Nationwide Limited Managing Director Chief Obinna Anyaegbu, as well as members of the Chisco Group, family, friends and the Millennium Circle social-impact organisation, led the intervention.

Chief Chidi Anyaegbu said he chose to mark his 70th birthday by addressing a practical challenge affecting access to justice. He noted that court proceedings could be delayed when inmates are unable to attend hearings because of transportation difficulties.

Chief Obinna Anyaegbu described the initiative as more than a ceremonial donation, saying the group would bring its experience in mobility, fleet management and vehicle maintenance to support the custodial centre. He said the company planned to monitor the buses’ use and maintenance while working with correctional authorities to assess their impact on court attendance and case progression.

The group also plans to track indicators including court movements completed, inmates transported, missed court appearances linked to transportation challenges, vehicle availability and maintenance performance. The information will be compared with previous court-transport records to assess the intervention’s impact over time.

Beyond transportation, Machine Nationwide Limited has committed to supporting automotive maintenance and technical-skills training for eligible inmates. The proposed programme is expected to strengthen the centre’s workshop capacity while providing participants with practical skills that could improve their employment prospects after release.

The officer in charge of the Ikoyi custodial centre welcomed the intervention and expressed readiness to work with Chisco Transport Limited and Machine Nationwide Limited on vehicle maintenance, workshop development and technical training.

Obinna Anyaegbu said correctional efforts should extend beyond confinement by preparing inmates for productive lives after release. He said access to skills, dignity and legitimate economic opportunities could help individuals reintegrate into society and reduce the risk of reoffending.

Chisco Group said the initiative reflects its broader commitment to using its business capabilities to address social and institutional challenges. The diversified Nigerian group has interests spanning transportation, logistics, automotive services, technology, hospitality and real estate, among other sectors.