The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched its 2026 nationwide farming season, scaling up a multi-sector agricultural programme designed to boost food production, rehabilitate inmates, and transform correctional facilities into agribusiness hubs.
The initiative, flagged off at the Dukpa Farm Centre in Gwagwalada, is being implemented across correctional farm centres nationwide, leveraging the Service’s extensive land resources and inmate workforce to support Nigeria’s food security agenda.
Nationwide Rollout Targets Increased Output and Inmate Productivity
Controller-General of NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, said the programme marks a coordinated national push to reposition correctional farms as productive economic assets.
“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,” Nwakuche said.
The Dukpa facility currently operates an integrated farming system, covering; Crop production, Poultry farming, Piggery and Cattle rearing.
This model is expected to be replicated across multiple correctional centres, some of which, according to the Service, have larger land capacities than Dukpa.
Agriculture as Rehabilitation and Economic Strategy
The NCoS initiative forms part of broader correctional reforms aimed at converting inmates into economically viable contributors post-incarceration.
Nwakuche emphasized the shift in philosophy:
“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.”
The programme combines vocational training with real agricultural production, positioning inmates as participants in Nigeria’s economic value chain while serving their sentences.
Leveraging Land and Manpower for National Food Security
With Nigeria facing persistent food supply challenges, the NCoS is aligning its operations with national priorities by utilizing vast custodial farmlands and available manpower.
“We have large acreages and manpower. What we are doing aligns with national priority on food security. We want to contribute our quota meaningfully,” Nwakuche stated.
Industry observers note that institutional farming initiatives such as this could help:
- Increase domestic food production
- Reduce pressure on food prices
- Support rural and peri-urban agricultural systems
- 2025 Setbacks: Price Drops and Environmental Losses
Despite strong inmate participation, the Service reported limited financial returns in 2025 due to Significant drops in commodity prices, Environmental and natural disaster impacts on farm output.
“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,” the CG noted.
2026 Outlook: Early Start, Better Planning, Higher Yields
The early launch of the 2026 farming season is expected to improve productivity across all centres, supported by enhanced planning and operational adjustments.
“The prospects are bright. Starting early will help us improve productivity and outcomes across all centres,” Nwakuche said.
Private Sector Partnership Critical for Scale
The NCoS is actively seeking collaboration with private sector actors to scale operations, particularly in:
- Mechanisation
- Agricultural financing
- Technical expertise and modern farming systems
“Farming has gone beyond traditional methods. We need modern technology and capital. Government alone cannot do it,” he added.
Technology May Enable Broader Inmate Participation
While awaiting-trial inmates are not currently involved in farming activities, the Service is exploring technology-driven monitoring systems and enhanced security infrastructure to safely expand participation.
“For now, awaiting trial inmates are not deployed, but with proper monitoring systems, fencing and security, those willing may be engaged,” Nwakuche explained.
Institutional Backing and Reform Progress
Reflecting on his first year in office, the Controller-General pointed to improvements in:
- Staff welfare
- Inmate engagement programmes
- Infrastructure development
He also acknowledged the support of Bola Tinubu and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in advancing the Service’s reform agenda.
Scaling Correctional Agriculture Nationwide
The farming programme is set to be implemented across all correctional farm centres nationwide, reinforcing the NCoS’ role as an emerging institutional player in Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to Strengthen inmate rehabilitation, Promote self-reliance and Contribute to national food production targets.
