FG, rallies stakeholders to boost inmate rehabilitation via agriculture

The Federal Government has rallied key stakeholders across the public and private sectors to strengthen inmate rehabilitation through agricultural initiatives, with a renewed push to unlock the economic and reformative potential of correctional farm centres nationwide.
At a dialogue convened by the Nigerian Correctional Service in collaboration with Hope Behind Bars Africa and supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, participants emphasised the need for structured Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to scale agricultural production, enhance skills acquisition, and improve reintegration outcomes for inmates.

The engagement, themed “Optimising Correctional Farm Centres and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Pathways for Inmates’ Reformation,” brought together government officials, private sector players, development partners, and civil society actors to chart sustainable strategies for improving productivity and reintegration outcomes within Nigeria’s custodial centres.

Sylvester  Nwakuche,  Controller-General of Corrections, stressed that correctional farming is a critical tool for reforming inmates beyond its role in food production.

According to him, the Service’s farm centres are designed to restore dignity and equip inmates with practical skills that can support their reintegration into society after serving their sentences.

“Our correctional farm centres are not just about agriculture; they are about restoring hope, dignity, and creating pathways to a productive future for inmates,” he said.

Nwakuche disclosed that the NCoS currently operates 12 agricultural projects, alongside nine piggery ventures and 11 fisheries initiatives nationwide.

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“These projects produce staple commodities such as rice, sorghum, millet, and vegetables, while also providing inmates with hands-on, income-generating skills”, he said.

He, however, urged stakeholders to move beyond policy conversations and commit to actionable partnerships that would scale up impact, improve output, and strengthen reintegration programmes.

In his goodwill message,  Chinedu Ogah, Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions,  highlighted the untapped agricultural potential within correctional facilities, noting that leveraging the Service’s vast arable land could significantly contribute to national food security and economic resilience.

Also speaking,  Danladi Plang, Head of Programmes at International IDEA Nigeria,  described the Farming Justice Project as a major step toward justice sector reform and sustainable development.

He commended HBBA for adopting an evidence-based approach, including baseline assessments and the development of a context-specific training manual.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior,  Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the ministry,  said the dialogue was designed to produce a clear, actionable roadmap anchored on structured Public-Private Partnerships.

She encouraged stakeholders and the general public to support inmate rehabilitation efforts by patronising goods produced by correctional industries, which were showcased at the event.

A major highlight of the session was a presentation by the Deputy Controller-General in charge of Inmates’ Training and Productivity, Kupan Amos, who outlined the Service’s agricultural assets, production capacity, cottage industries, and the PPP provisions embedded in the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.

Participants also heard success stories from beneficiaries of the Farming Justice Project, witnessed the presentation of reintegration starter packs, and reviewed a draft training manual intended to guide future capacity-building initiatives.

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The dialogue concluded with a panel session focused on leveraging PPP frameworks to drive sustainable correctional agriculture, expand skills development, and create effective reintegration pathways for inmates.

The NCoS reaffirmed its commitment to deepening partnerships and adopting innovative, inclusive approaches to inmate reformation, while calling on investors, development partners, and other stakeholders to collaborate in unlocking the full economic and social potential of correctional farm centres nationwide.