The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to reposition Nigeria’s correctional system, unveiling plans to transform custodial centres into productive agribusiness hubs through strategic public-private partnerships, while deepening rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for inmates.
The initiative signals a shift from the traditional incarceration model to a more reform-driven approach, in line with global best practices that prioritise skills acquisition, economic productivity and reduced reoffending.
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the indication on Wednesday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ roundtable on Optimising Correctional Farm Centres and Public-Private Partnership Pathways for Inmate Reformation.
The engagement, organised by Hope Behind Bars Africa with support from the European Union and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption programme, brought together key actors from government, private sector and civil society to chart a new course for correctional reforms.
While stressing the need to unlock the economic and rehabilitative potential of correctional facilities nationwide, Tunji-Ojo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, said the reform agenda is anchored on transforming prisons from mere holding facilities into centres of productivity and human development.
He said, “Correctional centres are no longer just places of custody, they are platforms for transformation, rehabilitation and a new lease of life. The goal is to produce disciplined, skilled and productive citizens who can return to society as assets, not liabilities.
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👉 JOIN GISTSMATE WHATSAPP CHANNEL“It is clear that the government alone cannot unlock the full potential within our correctional system. Public-private partnerships are therefore not optional but a strategic imperative.
The minister explained that PPPs would provide access to innovation, funding and technical expertise needed to modernise infrastructure, expand vocational training and improve operational efficiency across correctional facilities.
Highlighting agriculture as a cornerstone of the reform, the minister said Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential places correctional farm centres at the intersection of food security and inmate empowerment.
“These farm centres can be transformed into modern agribusiness hubs where inmates are exposed to contemporary farming techniques, agro-processing and value chain opportunities. This goes beyond feeding inmates; it equips them with lifelong skills,” he added.
Providing insight into ongoing efforts, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, said the Service is undergoing a deliberate transformation to align with international standards.
Nwakuche disclosed that the NCoS currently operates 18 farm centres and 10 cottage industries across about 10,000 hectares nationwide, alongside agricultural projects spanning fishery, poultry and piggery.
Despite these assets, he noted that their full potential remains largely untapped without private sector collaboration.
“Our facilities produce crops such as maize, rice, cassava, yams, soybeans, millet and sorghum. These activities support inmate welfare and serve as platforms for skills acquisition.
“Through PPPs, we can enhance productivity, introduce modern agricultural practices and align our programmes with market realities to ensure inmates acquire relevant, employable skills,” he said.
Also speaking, Executive Director of Hope Behind Bars Africa, Funke Adeoye, said the initiative is rooted in the provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019, which emphasises rehabilitation and encourages partnerships with non-state actors.
She explained that the organisation’s Farming Justice Project is designed to address food insecurity in custodial centres while equipping inmates with practical agricultural and entrepreneurial skills.
According to her, the project—implemented in collaboration with the NCoS and supported by RoLAC, is already operational in custodial centres including Kuje, Kirikiri Female, Dukpa and Oko.
“Inmates are engaged in structured programmes covering behavioural change, financial literacy and crop cultivation, while also participating in agricultural production such as pepper, okra, watermelon and maize farming, as well as fish production,” she said.
Adeoye revealed that the initiative has impacted hundreds of inmates and correctional officers across Edo, Abuja and Lagos, with ripple effects extending to families and surrounding communities.
“What we are witnessing is that when systems invest in people, outcomes change. Inmates are producing food, gaining skills and, in some cases, going on to establish their own agribusinesses after release,” she added.
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