Dr Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of Interior(center), CG Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS) Sylvester Nwakuche, Mni. (, (2nd left), Hon. Comrade Chinedu Ogah (2nd right) Chairman, House Committee on Reformatory Institutions and member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State, and Executive Director of Hope Behind Bars Africa, Funke Adeoye (right).
By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the country’s correctional system into a hub for rehabilitation, productivity, and national development through strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). This position was highlighted during a stakeholders’ engagement on optimizing correctional farm centres, industries, and PPP pathways, convened by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with key partners.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, emphasized that modern correctional systems must focus on rehabilitation, skills acquisition, and reintegration, rather than just incarceration. She noted that the Ministry is committed to strengthening partnerships with organizations to expand ongoing interventions across correctional facilities nationwide.
According to Ajani, correctional centres must evolve into institutions of transformation, equipping inmates with practical skills and opportunities 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.
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 operates 18 farm centres and 10 cottage industries across the country, with extensive agricultural activities.
Nwakuche emphasized 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 agreed on the need for actionable, scalable, and sustainable models to drive real impact.
Honourable Chairman, House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, called for greater accountability, innovation, and commitment in optimizing correctional farm centres. He stressed that agriculture remains a critical driver of economic growth and national security.
The engagement aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s broader reform agenda, prioritizing institutional strengthening, economic productivity, and sustainable development. Participants were encouraged 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-oriented system.
The event was a step towards realizing the Federal Government’s vision of a transformed correctional system, where inmates are equipped with skills and opportunities to contribute positively to society upon release.
