In a bid to enhance food security, improve inmates’ welfare, and promote sustainable agri-business models, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) is exploring a collaborative project with the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) and Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA).
The proposed project, which was discussed during the meeting at the NCoS headquarters, aims to leverage the Service’s vast land resources, manpower, and security infrastructure to establish thriving agricultural projects in custodial centres across the country.
In his remarks, the Controller General of Corrections Slyvester Ndidi Nwankuche MFR, mni, emphasized the Service’s readiness to explore innovative approaches to rehabilitation and self-sufficiency.
“The NCoS has the land capacity, manpower, and security to make this project a success,” he stated.
The Founder of PRAWA and head of delegation, Dr. Uju Agomoh stated that the initiative is aimed at turning the vast NCoS farmlands into viable Agro-hubs.
The NIRSAL team lead Panam David Agboh, on the other hand, provided insight into risk management in agriculture, facilitation, and financing options.
The agency’s flagship programs, including the Agro-Geo-Cooperatives (AGC) concept, Backward Integration Model, NIRSAL Aggregated Land-Estate Development (NALED), and Service to Enterprise in Agriculture (SEA), are being considered for replication in NCoS custodial centres.
The proposed project draws inspiration from success stories from African countries such as Zambia, Malawi, and Burkina Faso, where correctional farms have achieved self-sufficiency in food production, supplying produce to national markets, and improving inmate rehabilitation outcomes.
The NCoS management team is currently engaging in discussions with NIRSAL and PRAWA to finalize the project details.
With this collaborative effort, the Service is poised to revolutionize agriculture in custodial centres, enhancing the rehabilitation process and promoting sustainable development.
E-signed:
Public Relations Unit,
NHQ, Abuja
4th July, 2026
