The federal Government is considering Public-Private Partnerships, PPP, to transform Correctional Centres in the country. 

The Ministry of Interior, at a stakeholders’ engagement on optimizing correctional farm centres, industries, and PPP pathways, convened in collaboration with key partners, including civil society and development organizations, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s correctional system into a hub for rehabilitation, productivity, and national development through strategic Public-Private Partnership, PPP. 

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, representing the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo,  emphasized that modern correctional systems must go beyond incarceration to focus on rehabilitation, skills acquisition, and reintegration.

The minister noted that the Ministry is committed to strengthening partnerships with organizations 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 minister highlighted the critical role of PPP in achieving this vision, describing them as strategic tools for combining government oversight with private sector innovation, investment, and efficiency. 

Also, 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 emphasized that stronger collaboration with the private sector would enhance productivity, introduce modern techniques, and create sustainable value chains within correctional facilities.

The Chairman, House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Chinedu Ogah, House of Representatives member, representing Ikwo/Ezza-South Federal Constituency, called for greater accountability, innovation, and commitment in optimizing correctional farm centres.