The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has unveiled a nationwide agricultural initiative aimed at transforming custodial farm centres into full-scale agribusiness hubs to strengthen food security and drive inmate rehabilitation.
Speaking on Friday at the Dukpa Farm Centre in Gwagwalada, Abuja, the Controller-General of NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, announced the flag-off of the 2026 farming season, describing the programme as a strategic shift from subsistence farming to structured agricultural production.
He stated that the initiative is designed to equip inmates with practical vocational skills while positioning the Service as a 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.
Nwakuche explained that the Dukpa facility operates an integrated farming system, including crop production, poultry, piggery and cattle rearing, reflecting the Service’s broader plan to scale diversified agricultural activities across its centres.
He noted that the programme aligns with national priorities on food security, adding that the Service is leveraging its vast land resources and available manpower to support increased 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 Controller-General further emphasised that the initiative is structured to reposition inmates as contributors to economic development rather than liabilities.
“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.
Despite recording strong inmate participation in the 2025 farming season, Nwakuche acknowledged that financial returns were impacted by fluctuating market prices and environmental challenges, including natural disasters that affected output.
He, however, expressed optimism that early commencement of the 2026 farming season, alongside improved planning and operational strategies, would deliver better outcomes.
The NCoS boss also called for increased private sector collaboration, particularly in areas of mechanisation, funding and technical support, noting that government efforts alone may not be sufficient to scale the initiative.
“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,” he said.
On the potential inclusion of awaiting trial inmates in farming activities, Nwakuche revealed that the Service is exploring options involving enhanced security systems and technology to facilitate their participation in the future.
“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, the Controller-General pointed to improvements in staff welfare, inmate engagement and infrastructure, while appreciating President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their support.
He confirmed that the farming programme would be implemented across all correctional farm centres nationwide, noting that the Dukpa flag-off symbolises commencement across the country.
The initiative forms part of broader correctional reforms aimed at enhancing rehabilitation, promoting self-reliance among inmates and contributing to Nigeria’s food production drive.
