The Federal Government has intensified efforts to reposition Nigeria’s correctional system by leveraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) to transform correctional centres into viable food production hubs, while strengthening inmate rehabilitation and reintegration.
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 (PPP) Pathways for Inmate Reformation.
The engagement was organised by Hope Behind Bars Africa with support from the European Union (EU) and Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme.
While stressing the need to unlock the economic and rehabilitative potential of correctional facilities across the country, the minister said the government’s reform agenda is anchored on shifting correctional facilities from mere custodial centres to institutions of productivity and human development.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the Minister noted that modern correctional systems globally have evolved beyond incarceration to focus on rehabilitation and reintegration.
Tunji-Ojo noted that achieving this vision requires strong collaboration among government, private sector players and civil society organisations, stressing that PPPs remain critical to driving sustainable reform.
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.
“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.”
He 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.
Noting the role of agriculture, the minister said Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential makes correctional farm centres critical to both 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.
He said partnerships across sectors such as construction, ICT and manufacturing would further enhance employability and reduce recidivism among inmates.
Speaking, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, said the Service is undergoing a deliberate transformation aimed at aligning with global best practices.
He disclosed that the NCoS currently operates 18 farm centres and 10 cottage industries across approximately 10,000 hectares nationwide, alongside several agricultural projects including fishery, poultry and piggery.
Nwakuche, however, emphasised that the full potential of these operations can only be realised through structured partnerships with the private sector.
“Our facilities produce crops such as maize, rice, cassava, yam, 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.
In her remarks, Executive Director of Hope Behind Bars Africa, Funke Adeoye, said the initiative aligns with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019, which provides for rehabilitation and encourages collaboration with non-state actors.
She explained that the organisation’s Farming Justice Project was designed to tackle food insecurity in custodial centres while equipping inmates with agricultural and entrepreneurial skills.
According to her, the project, implemented in partnership with the NCoS and supported by RoLAC, is currently 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.
About the Author
