Correctional Service unveils Committee to drive housing, agricultural rehabilitation projects

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has inaugurated a second Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project Delivery Committee to oversee the implementation of major housing and agricultural rehabilitation projects aimed at improving correctional infrastructure, staff welfare, and inmate reintegration across the country.

Sylvester Nwakuche, Controller-General of Corrections, inaugurated the committee at the Service’s National Headquarters in Abuja, describing the move as a significant milestone in the ongoing reform efforts of the correctional system.

Nwakuche said the committee would be responsible for supervising the delivery of key PPP projects, including the establishment of Correctional Farm Centres in Adim, Cross River State, and Itu, Akwa Ibom State, as well as the construction of modern residential estates for correctional personnel in Goron Dutse and Kurmawa, Kano State.

According to him, the projects mark the beginning of a structured and transparent implementation phase designed to ensure that approved public-private partnerships translate into tangible benefits for inmates, correctional personnel, and host communities.

He explained that the projects were approved under the framework of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and align with the provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019.

The Controller-General noted that the housing scheme, being implemented in partnership with Tamidan Nigeria Ltd, is expected to significantly improve the welfare and living conditions of correctional officers through the provision of modern residential estates.

He added that the Correctional Farm Centres project, being undertaken in collaboration with Vians 100% Nigeria Ltd, is designed to strengthen inmate rehabilitation and reintegration through agricultural training, food production, vocational skills development, and sustainable post-release empowerment opportunities.

Nwakuche stressed that the initiatives are in line with the Service’s broader reform agenda, which seeks to transform correctional facilities into centres of rehabilitation, productivity, and human capital development.

Responding on behalf of the committee members, Amos Kupan, Deputy Controller-General of Corrections in charge of Works and Logistics, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in the team and described the inauguration as a landmark development for the Service.

He assured stakeholders that committee members would discharge their responsibilities with diligence, transparency, and accountability to ensure successful project delivery and value for public investment.

Representatives of the private-sector partners also reaffirmed their commitment to the successful execution of the projects.

Speaking on behalf of Vians 100% Nigeria Ltd, Oji-Okoro Kenechi pledged the company’s commitment to excellence and timely project completion, while the Director of Operations and Productivity of Tamidan Nigeria Ltd, Dahiru Sabiu, assured stakeholders that the company would deliver quality projects that justify the confidence placed in it.

Earlier, EC Onuka, Officer-in-Charge of NCoS Public-Private Partnerships, highlighted the achievements of the Service’s PPP programme, noting that the establishment of the committee would strengthen project oversight, monitor compliance, and protect government interests throughout the implementation process.

He disclosed that the newly inaugurated body is the second PPP Project Delivery Committee established by the Service.

According to him, the first committee successfully coordinated concessionary arrangements that led to the establishment of a shoe and garment factory in Aba, Abia State, and a ternary factory in Kano State, both of which have continued to support inmate vocational training, productivity, and rehabilitation.

Nicholas Obiako, Deputy Controller-General overseeing the Inmates Training and Productivity Directorate, commended the Controller-General for promoting innovative partnerships aimed at transforming correctional administration in Nigeria.

He also praised development partners and private-sector stakeholders for supporting the Service’s reform agenda, noting that the newly inaugurated committee would play a critical role in advancing projects that enhance staff welfare, strengthen correctional infrastructure, promote inmate rehabilitation, and contribute to national development.