By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Ministry of Interior has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming correctional centres into centres of rehabilitation, productivity and national development through strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
The position was highlighted during a stakeholders’ engagement on optimising correctional farm centres, industries and PPP pathways, held in collaboration with civil society groups and development partners.
Representing the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, said modern correctional systems must evolve beyond incarceration to prioritise rehabilitation, skills acquisition and reintegration of inmates into society.
“Correctional centres must evolve into institutions of transformation where inmates are equipped with practical skills and opportunities that enable them to become productive members of society upon release,” she stated.
Ajani noted that the ministry is strengthening partnerships with organisations such as HOPE Behind Bars Africa and other stakeholders to expand reform initiatives across correctional facilities nationwide.
She described PPPs as critical to achieving the transformation agenda, stressing that they combine government oversight with private sector innovation, investment and efficiency. According to her, such collaborations would unlock the full potential of correctional farm centres and industries, particularly in agriculture and vocational training.
The Permanent Secretary further explained that Nigeria’s correctional farm centres could be repositioned as centres of excellence in modern agriculture, agro-processing and value-chain development, contributing to both inmate rehabilitation and national economic growth.
Also speaking, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning correctional facilities as centres of reformation and reintegration.
He disclosed that the Service currently operates 18 farm centres and 10 cottage industries across the country, with activities spanning crop production, livestock, fisheries and poultry.
“Stronger collaboration with the private sector will enhance productivity, introduce modern techniques and create sustainable value chains within correctional facilities,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Chinedu Ogah, called for greater accountability, innovation and commitment in optimising correctional farm centres. He emphasised that agriculture remains a key driver of economic growth and national security, urging stakeholders to move beyond discussions to practical implementation.
Participants at the engagement including representatives of government, private sector, development partners and civil society organisations agreed on the need for actionable, scalable and sustainable models to drive meaningful impact.
The initiative aligns with the broader reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises institutional strengthening, economic productivity and sustainable development.
The ministry stressed that achieving lasting correctional reform would require collective action, sustained investment and a shared commitment to building a humane, efficient and development-oriented system.
