MPs urge government to engage prisoners in agricultural programs at correctional facilities

A Call for Agricultural Engagement in Nigerian Correctional Centres

The House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards addressing food insecurity within Nigeria’s correctional system. On Wednesday, the legislative body tasked the Federal Government with involving inmates in farming activities across all National Correctional Service (NCS) centres nationwide. The initiative aims to ensure food sufficiency and improve the overall well-being of incarcerated individuals.

This resolution was passed following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Folorunsho Adegbesan. In his lead debate, he highlighted concerns about the nutritional quality of meals provided in correctional facilities across Africa. According to Adegbesan, the average diet in these centres often leads to malnutrition, prompting many courts to raise alarms about the frequency, quantity, and quality of food served. He described this as a form of cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment.

Global Context and Local Challenges

Adegbesan pointed out that globally, approximately 11 million people are currently held in correctional centres. In Nigeria, the number of inmates is estimated at 84,741, including 82,821 males and 1,920 females. He emphasized that correctional centres worldwide are increasingly implementing sustainable food programmes to enhance nutrition among incarcerated individuals.

He also cited several examples from African countries where innovative approaches have been adopted. For instance, in 2017, a prison in Mozambique produced one tonne of potatoes, which were used internally and shared with other prisons. In Botswana, irrigation farming was introduced in 2025 to combat drought impacts on prison farms, focusing on crops like sorghum, cowpeas, lablab, and maize.

In Tanzania, environmentally friendly stoves were introduced in 126 prisons in 2024, using alternative charcoal and minimal firewood. Meanwhile, Mauritius established a fish processing plant at one of its prisons. Similarly, Ghana’s Prisons Service equips inmates with modern cultivation skills to create agricultural activity, ensuring that the country’s prison system aligns with international norms. In Namibia, hydroponic systems have been used to improve food security in a female prison.

Health and Rehabilitation Implications

The House expressed concern over the impact of inadequate food access on inmates’ health. It noted that poor nutrition can compromise the immune system, leading to deficiencies, weight loss, and increased vulnerability to infectious diseases. Furthermore, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted the role of food in both physical and mental health, emphasizing its importance in an inmate’s successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Adegbesan argued that food sustainability in correctional centres could provide inmates with nutritious meals while teaching them about sustainable agricultural practices and vocational training. These experiences, he said, would help them reintegrate into society more effectively.

Legislative Actions and Next Steps

To address these issues, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Nigerian Correctional Service to develop and implement policies that engage inmates in farming. It also mandated the joint Committees on Interior and Reformatory Institutions to ensure compliance with these measures and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

Broader Impacts and Future Prospects

By involving inmates in agricultural activities, the House believes that Nigeria can enhance food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. This initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term systemic change.

The success of such programmes depends on collaboration between government agencies, correctional institutions, and local communities. With proper planning and resources, these efforts could serve as a model for other nations facing similar challenges.

Conclusion

The House of Representatives’ resolution marks a critical shift in how Nigeria approaches food security and rehabilitation within its correctional system. By integrating farming activities into the daily lives of inmates, the nation can foster a more sustainable and humane approach to incarceration. This move reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness between food, health, and social reintegration, offering hope for a more equitable future for all.