Some lawyers in Lagos State have described the recent move by the Federal Government to transform correctional centres into viable food production hubs as exciting.

They spoke in separate interviews on Thursday.

The lawyers noted that while the initiative was a welcome development, it was important to assess what would be most suitable for both individual detainees and the government.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olabunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Wednesday reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to transforming the nation’s correctional system.

He explained that the system would be developed into a hub for rehabilitation, productivity, and national development through strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

The minister made the statement during a Stakeholders’ Roundtable on Optimising Correctional Farm Centres and PPP Pathways for inmate Reformation in Abuja.

He said the initiative would leverage PPPs to convert correctional centres into viable food production hubs, while also strengthening inmate rehabilitation and reintegration.

Reacting to the initiative, Lagos-based social critic, Spurgeon Ataene described it as “exciting.”

According to him, having laudable ideas are not the issues, but the implementation of those ideas, as well as the spirit to withstand the pressure of implementation.

He said the idea of turning correctional facilities into farm hubs was exciting, “but the question remains: which detainees will be assigned to this work?

“Are they supposed to engage in this farming within the confines of the correctional facilities, or will there be a farm designated for this within correctional facilities?,” he stated.

Mr Ataene noted that it would also be important to determine if sentencing to farming would be adopted as part of the sentencing guidelines.

“I will urge the government not to look at these queries in isolation, but to have an overview of what best suits the individual detainees and the government.

“It is also my opinion that detainees who willingly did plea bargain and have been sentenced to some years of imprisonment can benefit from this programme.

“After they have shown due diligence in any farming task assigned, they should be automatically entitled to the prerogative of mercy of the governor,” he said.

Also reacting, Convener, Fight Against Corruption in the Judiciary, Bayo Akindele, described the initiative as a step in the right direction.

He described the initiative as laudable, adding that there was a need for government to follow it through, to ensure that it’s operational and remains functional.

“It is a good idea, if they can get it going,” he said.

On his part, Convener  of the Makolo Anthony Empowerment Foundation for Indigent Prisoners, Anthony Makolo, described the idea as commendable.

According to him, in other parts of the world, inmates are engaged in productive jobs that enhance development in their countries. 

“This is a very good one, mechanised farming is a welcome idea in our correctional facilities, as it will put the inmates to dutiful and productive use of their time, while in detention.

“If properly regulated and monitored, this will in turn, foster development in the nation’s agriculture sector,” he stated.

Mr Makolo, however, underscored the need for adequate checks in the process,  to guide against people utilising same for personal gains.

“I urge government to collaborate with experts with a view to having increased output and better the lots of the detainees. These products or produce should cover from animal husbandry, fish farming and crops, which should include subsistence and cash cropping,” he said.

 (NAN)