NGO, NCoS unveil farming project to train inmates, tackle food insecurity

 

 

 

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Hope Behind Bars Africa, has inaugurated the Farming Justice Project at the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja to promote inmate rehabilitation and tackle food insecurity within correctional facilities.

 

The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Service, is funded by the European Union through International IDEA under the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme.

 

At the official launch on Tuesday, the Executive Director of HBBA, Funke Adeoye, described the project as a practical response to Nigeria’s evolving correctional mandate.

 

“With the change in nomenclature from ‘prison’ to ‘correctional service,’ there is a need to ensure that our custodial centres reflect that change through genuine rehabilitation and empowerment,” she said.

Adeoye explained that the Farming Justice Project integrates agriculture with restorative justice principles, giving inmates the opportunity to gain life skills and contribute meaningfully to society both during and after incarceration.

 

She noted that the initiative seeks to empower inmates through agricultural training and practical food production, adding that over 80 inmates are currently being trained in modern techniques for okra, watermelon, and tomato cultivation.

 

“Some of our harvested okra has already been consumed by inmates, showing real progress in tackling food shortages in custodial centres,” she said.

 

The project currently operates at the Kuje Custodial Centre and the Dukpa Farm Centre in Abuja, with plans to replicate the model in other facilities across the country, including Lagos, where HBBA has previously worked with female inmates on similar agricultural initiatives.

 

“Our goal is to reduce recidivism by equipping inmates with viable means of livelihood after serving their sentences.

 

“We are calling on partners and well-meaning Nigerians to support the NCoS in ensuring effective rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates,” Adeoye added.

 

She commended the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, for his support and openness to public-private partnerships aimed at reforming correctional practices.

On the broader issue of incarceration, Adeoye emphasised the importance of preparing inmates for reintegration into society.

 

“Out of over 80,000 inmates nationwide, only about 3,600 are on death row. This means a large number will eventually return to our communities. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure they come out better prepared for productive living,” she said.

 

In his welcome remarks, the Controller of Corrections for the FCT Command, Christopher Jen, praised the initiative as a significant step towards building a more peaceful and secure Nigeria.

“My desire is to see a better Nigeria tomorrow where everyone will live without fear or anxiety.

 

“The enthusiasm and willingness of inmates to learn skills today give me confidence that such a future is possible,” Jen said.

 

He described the Kuje Custodial Centre as a “centre of excellence” in vocational training, listing ongoing programmes such as barbing, embroidery, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, shoemaking, soap making, and fishery.

 

In a goodwill message, Joseph Odeh, a representative of International IDEA, stressed the importance of collective effort in justice reform.

 

“Justice reform is not the responsibility of one institution alone. It is a shared mission that requires the active participation of all sectors of society.

 

“Let this day mark the beginning of a new chapter in our justice system—one that prioritises human development, community reintegration, and sustainable transformation,” he said.

 

The event featured a guided tour of the Kuje facility, the unveiling of the Farming Justice Project, and visits to various skill acquisition centres where inmates are receiving hands-on vocational training.