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

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

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

He said the service had repositioned itself as a custodial and mon-custodial institution focused on the rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration of offenders.

‘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.

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

On vocational empowerment, the NCoS CG said 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 centers 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“Some of our farm implements are old and outdated.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,” Mr Nwakuche added.

Responding, Mr Abdullahi welcomed the initiative and commended the service for taking proactive steps in reforming inmates and helping them reintegrate into society.
Mr 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.

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

He highlighted that insecurity, which had previously hindered farming in several parts of the country, especially in areas such as 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 stated that the ministry had already identified institutions such as the Nigerian Army, NCoS, and NYSC as potential partners for expanding agricultural production.

The minister and the CG agreed that the synergy would improve inmate rehabilitation and also contribute meaningfully to national food production and support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He also suggested that a working group committee be constituted with immediate effect, with members drawn from both organisations.

(NAN)