By Ibironke Ariyo

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security have agreed to partner on enhancing vocational and agricultural training for inmates across the country.

This followed a courtesy visit by the Controller General of NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, to the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, on Friday in Abuja.

Nwakuche said the partnership seeks to achieve food self-sufficiency for inmates, generate surplus for commercial purposes, and transform NCoS farmlands into agro-hubs. 

He said that the Service had repositioned itself as a Custodial and Non-custodial institution focused on the rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration of offenders.

This, he said, were through education, vocational training, and agricultural programmes.

“We are a Custodial and Non-custodial service organisation with our purpose and intent to rehabilitate, reform and reintegrate the units that come into our custodial facilities.

‘These inmates, when they come, it’s our responsibility to see how we can turn their lives around and put them back into society,” he said.

Nwakuche noted that the NCoS had partnered with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), to provide tuition-free education for inmates.

Many inmates, he said, graduated with first degrees, master’s degrees, and even PhDs while in incarceration.

On vocational empowerment, the NCoS CG said that inmates were being trained in carpentry, tailoring, horticulture, bakery, drainage, confectionery, and, significantly, agriculture.

“We are not here by accident, Honourable Minister. Your ministry plays a crucial role in national food production, and Mr President’s agenda on food security aligns with our reform initiatives,” he said.

“The NCoS operates more than 18 farm centres across the country but needs the ministry’s help to modernise and revive them.

“Some of our farm implements are old and outdated. We are seeking collaboration so you can assist us with improved seedlings, fertilisers, equipment, and technical expertise to keep these inmates engaged productively,” Nwakuche added.

Responding, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, welcomed the initiative.

Abdullahi also commended the service for taking proactive steps in reforming inmates and helping them reintegrate into society.

“It is obvious you’ve seen what we are doing and are convinced beyond reasonable doubt that we can work together. You don’t approach someone who is not performing when you want to perform,” he said.

Abdullahi praised the transformation of the Correctional Service, stating that the image of the average prison officer had evolved significantly under the new Correctional Service Act.

“In those days, when you saw a prison officer, you saw someone who himself was in need of rehabilitation. But this turnaround is a testament to the effectiveness of the new law and government commitment,” he added.

The minister said inclusivity was central to the Tinubu administration’s governance principles and commended NCoS for giving inmates a human face in their rehabilitation approach.

“Peace and prosperity are not possible without inclusion. People who find themselves in your facilities are not to be excluded from development,” he said.

Abdullahi recounted the legislative work during his time in the 8th and 9th National Assembly, where he and other lawmakers participated in the development of the new Correctional Service Act.

He highlighted that insecurity, which previously hindered farming in several parts of the country, especially in areas like the Birnin Gwari axis of Kaduna State, was gradually being overcome due to improved security and government interventions.

“We are winning the war on insecurity. Areas once inaccessible to farmers have now been reclaimed.

“Birnin Gwari, which was a no-go area for a decade, is now open and farming activities have resumed there,” he said.

The minister also said that the ministry had already identified institutions like the Nigerian Army, NCoS, and NYSC as potential partners for expanding agricultural production.

“Just last week, we were reviewing institutions with farmlands, and we listed the correctional service.

“I even recalled from my days at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, how I used to see the large farmland the service had on the Lafia-Akwanga Road,” he said.

Abdullahi said it was encouraging to hear that the NCoS made the first move to seek collaboration and assured them of the ministry’s willingness to support with resources and technical assistance.

“We will support you in every way we can, from capacity building to providing inputs like seedlings, fertilisers, and machinery to make this vision a reality,” the minister said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister and the CG agreed that the synergy would not only improve inmate rehabilitation but also contribute meaningfully to national food production and support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

They also suggested that a working group committee be constituted with immediate effect with members drawn from both organisations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza