The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), along with Hope Behind Bars (HBB), convened on Wednesday to advocate for the optimization of correctional farm centers aimed at reforming inmates and boosting food production nationwide.
Sylvester Nwakuche, the Controller General, noted that the NCoS is in the process of transformation to establish robust systems for inmate rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration.
During the event, he stressed the significance of creating sustainable options for inmates to lower recidivism rates.
Mr. Nwakuche articulated how agricultural initiatives would benefit not only the inmates but also the broader Nigerian community.
“These initiatives are essential not just for enhancing inmate welfare and supplementing food production, but they also offer practical avenues for skill development and vocational training,” he stated.
He underscored the necessity for both public and private sector collaboration to boost agricultural productivity, which would strengthen the Service's ability to contribute to national food security and skill enhancement among inmates.
“This underlines the critical nature of public-private partnerships. By fostering structured collaborations, we can draw upon private sector expertise, innovations, and resources to improve productivity, increase efficiency, introduce advanced farming techniques, and broaden our collective industries,” he explained.
Magdalene Ajani, representing the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, praised HBB for recognizing that transformation cannot be achieved in isolation and that government resources alone cannot unlock the immense potential across all custodial facilities to break the cycle of re-offending.
The HBB announced a pilot venture called the Farming Justice Project, implemented in custodial centers in Dukpa, Kuje, Kirikiri, and Oko.
Explaining the project’s purpose, HBB Executive Director Funke Adeoye mentioned it was part of the Ministry of Interior’s strategy to combat food insecurity within custodial facilities across Nigeria.
In 2025, NCoS reportedly expended about N27.28 billion on inmate sustenance across its facilities, with outstanding food supply debts amounting to N10.75 billion.
During a budget review in February, the Controller General mentioned a proposed total of N50.40 billion for recurrent costs, which includes food for inmates and general operational costs.
Of this sum, N14.83 billion is allocated for feeding approximately 91,100 inmates at a daily rate of N1,125 per person.
At the dialogue, Ms. Adeoye expressed the importance of initiating the Farming Justice Project to combat food insecurity rather than focus on the harsh realities faced within prisons.
Two former inmates, Samuel Saul and Mohammed Suleiman, who benefited from fish farming training during their time in custody, shared their positive experiences.
Mr. Suleiman mentioned he is now engaged in fish farming and collaborating with fellow fish farmers. Both were awarded reintegration starter packs worth N250,000.
Additionally, NCoS and HBB showcased products crafted by inmates, including bags, head coverings, shoes, clothing, disinfectants, liquid soap, and dried fish.
Chinedu Ogah commended both HBB and NCoS for providing training to the inmates.
The HBB devised a farm model based on initiatives in Dukpa, Kuje, Kirikiri, and Oko centers.
Monitoring and evaluation officer Sarah Dantosho projected that if this model is executed, NCoS could realize savings of N53.2 million annually from the four-site operation.
Despite being a non-revenue-generating agency, NCoS generated approximately N84.65 million in internal revenue in 2025.
Ms. Dantosho reported that inmates at Dukpa and Oko displayed the greatest eagerness to partake in the farming program, while Kuje indicated a need for increased awareness.
Deputy Controller General for Inmate Training and Productivity Amos Kupan described the activities across various farm centers and industries in different facilities.
He listed additional centers such as Lakushi, Ozala in Edo State, Birnin Kudu, Ogba, Adim farm centers, and PPP undertakings in Abia. While these centers cover over 1,000 hectares, Kupan pointed out that less than a quarter of the land is utilized due to insufficient funding.
Consequently, he called for stakeholders to invest in public-private partnerships aimed at improving inmate productivity and reformation.
During a panel discussion, Kupan highlighted the complexities of policies as obstacles that hinder investment opportunities within correctional facilities and suggested utilizing institutional frameworks to navigate legal challenges.
He stated that the CG approved an extension of the eligibility criteria for inmates to engage in farming. They may now participate if they have at least one year left on their sentence, a change from the prior six-month stipulation.
A UNODC representative, Femi Ajayi, stressed that the rights of inmates involved in the PPP program must adhere to international human rights standards.
“Ensure that inmates participate voluntarily, prevent exploitation, and uphold their dignity,” Ajayi remarked, while also advocating for safety measures to mitigate hazards.
He added that changing perceptions is essential to mitigate stigma against former inmates.
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