The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has inaugurated a second Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project Delivery Committee to oversee the implementation of key housing and agricultural rehabilitation projects aimed at improving staff welfare and inmate reformation.
Corrections spokeswoman, Jane Osuji, stated on Thursday that the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, inaugurated the committee at the Service Headquarters in Abuja, describing the move as a major step in leveraging private sector investment to strengthen correctional infrastructure and rehabilitation programmes.
TheFact Daily reports that the first PPP Project Delivery Committee coordinate the concession process that led to the establishment of the Aba Shoe and Garment Factory and the Janguza Tannery in Kano, initiatives approved under the federal government’s PPP framework in 2020 and subsequently developed under private sector participation.
This second committee will supervise the establishment of Correctional Farm Centres in Adim, Cross River State, and Itu, Akwa Ibom State, as well as the development of residential estates for correctional personnel at Goron Dutse and Kurmawa in Kano State.
Nwakuche said the projects, approved under the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) framework, are designed to deliver measurable benefits to inmates, personnel and host communities through a transparent and accountable implementation process.
According to him, the housing scheme, being executed in partnership with Tamidan Nigeria Ltd, will improve living conditions for correctional personnel, while the farm centres, developed with Vians 100% Nigeria Ltd, will boost inmate rehabilitation through agricultural training, food production and vocational skills acquisition.
He noted that the initiatives align with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, and the ongoing reforms aimed at building a correctional system focused on rehabilitation, productivity and human capital development.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the Deputy Controller-General in charge of Works and Logistics, Amos Kupan, assured stakeholders that members would discharge their responsibilities with diligence, transparency and accountability.
Representatives of the project partners also pledged timely and quality delivery of the projects.
Earlier, the Officer-in-Charge of NCoS Public-Private Partnerships, Assistant Controller of Corrections EC Onuka, said the committee was established to strengthen project oversight, ensure compliance and safeguard government interests during implementation.
He recalled that the first PPP Project Delivery Committee successfully coordinated the concession process that led to the establishment of a shoe and garment factory in Aba, Abia State, and a ternary factory in Kano State, both of which support inmate vocational training and rehabilitation.
The Service said the inauguration reinforces its commitment to strategic partnerships that enhance staff welfare, improve correctional infrastructure and promote the successful reintegration of inmates into society.
