The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) says it is actively implementing a major agricultural initiative, transforming custodial farmlands into agribusiness hubs to improve food security and rehabilitate inmates.

The Controller-General (CG) of NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, made this known on Friday at the Dukpa Farm Centre in Gwagwalada, Abuja, where the service launched the 2026 farming season nationwide.

The ceremony was held as a symbolic commencement for all correctional farm centres nationwide.

Mr Nwakuche said the initiative was designed not only to reform inmates through vocational training but also to position the Service as a strategic contributor to national agricultural output.

“This is a nationwide flag-off using Dukpa as a contact point. Our farming programme is part of efforts to equip inmates with practical skills and ensure they become productive members of society upon discharge,” he said.

Mr Nwakuche explained that the Dukpa facility hosts multiple agricultural operations, including crop production, poultry, piggery and cattle rearing, reflecting the Service’s integrated farming approach.

Linking the initiative directly to national priorities, Mr Nwakuche said the NCoS was leveraging its vast land resources and available manpower to support government efforts at boosting food production.

“We have large acreages and manpower. What we are doing aligns with the national priority on food security. We want to contribute our quota meaningfully,” he said.

The CG said that the programme was also structured to transform inmates into economic assets.

“We want them to be ‘awaiting assets’ and not just awaiting trial. When they return to society, they should not be a burden or a threat but contributors to development,” he added.

Mr Nwakuche, however, noted that financial outcomes from the 2025 farming season were affected by market and environmental factors, despite strong inmate participation.

“Prices dropped significantly, and we also experienced natural disasters that impacted our facilities and output. But in terms of engaging inmates productively, we recorded success,” he said.

Mr Nwakuche expressed optimism that the early take-off of the 2026 season would yield better results, adding that the Service had strengthened planning and operational strategies.

He further highlighted the importance of private-sector involvement in scaling operations, particularly in mechanisation, funding, and technical expertise.

On the possibility of engaging inmates awaiting trial in farming activities, Mr Nwakuche said the Service was considering using technology and enhanced security measures to make such participation feasible in the future.

“The prospects are bright. Starting early will help us improve productivity and outcomes across all centres.

“Farming has gone beyond traditional methods. We need modern technology and capital. That is why we are calling on private partners to collaborate with us. The government alone cannot do it.

“For now, awaiting trial inmates are not deployed, but with proper monitoring systems, fencing and security, those willing may be engaged,” he said.

Reflecting on his one year in office, Mr Nwakuche said that while he would not personally assess his performance, there were visible improvements in staff welfare, inmate engagement, and infrastructure.

He also appreciated President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their support in advancing the Service’s mandate.

Mr Nwakuche confirmed that the farming programme would be implemented across all correctional farm centres nationwide, noting that several facilities were larger than the Dukpa centre.

“Once we flag off here, it is symbolically done nationwide. Other farm centres will proceed accordingly,” he said.

The NCoS farming initiative forms part of broader correctional reforms aimed at strengthening rehabilitation, enhancing self-reliance among inmates and supporting Nigeria’s food production efforts.

(NAN)