The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the nation’s correctional system into a hub for rehabilitation, productivity and national development through strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, highlighted the position of the Federal Government during a stakeholders’ engagement on optimising correctional farm centres, industries and PPP pathways, convened in collaboration with key partners, including civil society and development organisations.

Tunji-Ojo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, emphasised that modern correctional systems must go beyond incarceration to focus on rehabilitation, skills acquisition and reintegration.

He noted that the Ministry is committed to strengthening partnerships with organisations such as HOPE Behind Bars Africa and other stakeholders to expand ongoing interventions across correctional facilities nationwide.

According to him, “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.”

The Permanent Secretary highlighted the critical role of PPPs in achieving this vision, describing them as strategic tools for combining government oversight with private sector innovation, investment and efficiency.

He stressed that such collaborations would unlock the full potential of correctional farm centres and industries, particularly in agriculture and vocational training.

He further underscored that Nigeria’s correctional farm centres could be repositioned as centres of excellence in modern agriculture, agro-processing and value-chain development — contributing not only to inmate rehabilitation but also to national food security and economic growth.

Also speaking at the event, 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 extensive agricultural activities spanning crop production, livestock, fisheries and poultry.

These initiatives, he noted, serve as platforms for both inmate welfare and skills development.

The Controller-General emphasised that stronger collaboration with the private sector would enhance productivity, introduce modern techniques and create sustainable value chains within correctional facilities.

Stakeholders at the engagement, including representatives from government, the private sector, development partners and civil society organisations, collectively agreed on the need for actionable, scalable and sustainable models that will drive real impact.

In his remarks, Chairman, House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, and Member representing Ikwo/Ezza-South Federal Constituency, Rt Hon. (Comrade) Chinedu Ogah, called for greater accountability, innovation and commitment in optimising correctional farm centres.

He stressed that agriculture remains a critical driver of economic growth and national security, urging stakeholders to move beyond dialogue to tangible implementation.

Head of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Interior, Mrs Mary Ali, in a statement on Wednesday, said the engagement aligns with the broader reform agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises institutional strengthening, economic productivity and sustainable development.

Participants were encouraged to leverage the platform to build partnerships that will transform correctional facilities into engines of productivity, reduce recidivism and enhance community safety.

The Ministry reiterated that the success of correctional reform requires collective action, sustained investment and a shared commitment to building a humane, efficient and development-orientated system. (Nigerian Tribune)

• Dr Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of Interior, (center), CG Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS) Sylvester Nwakuche, (R) and Executive Director of Hope Behind Bars Africa, Funke Adeoye (L).