Abuja: The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security have entered into a partnership aimed at enhancing vocational and agricultural training for inmates across the nation. The collaboration was confirmed during 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.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the partnership aims to achieve food self-sufficiency for inmates, generate surplus for commercial purposes, and transform NCoS farmlands into productive agro-hubs. Nwakuche emphasized that the Service is focusing on the rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration of offenders through various educational, vocational, and agricultural programs.
Nwakuche highlighted that the NCoS, in collaboration with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), is providing tuition-free education for inmates, leading to numerous graduates earning first degrees, master’s degrees, and even PhDs while incarcerated. The vocational training encompasses skills such as carpentry, tailoring, horticulture, bakery, and agriculture.
The Controller General emphasized the necessity for the ministry’s assistance in modernizing and reviving more than 18 farm centers operated by the NCoS across the country, citing outdated farm implements and the need for improved seedlings, fertilizers, equipment, and technical expertise.
In response, Minister Abdullahi welcomed the initiative and praised the NCoS for its proactive steps in reforming inmates and aiding their reintegration into society. He acknowledged the transformation of the Correctional Service under the new Correctional Service Act and stressed the importance of inclusivity in governance for peace and prosperity.
Abdullahi also highlighted recent improvements in national security, which have enabled the resumption of farming activities in areas previously affected by insecurity, such as the Birnin Gwari axis of Kaduna State. He affirmed the ministry’s willingness to support NCoS with resources and technical assistance, including capacity building and the provision of agricultural inputs.
The minister and the CG concluded that the collaboration would enhance inmate rehabilitation and contribute significantly to national food production, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. They proposed the establishment of a working group committee comprising members from both organizations to implement the initiative effectively.