Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, has expressed the need for a collaborative effort with the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) to secure funds for engaging inmates in farming activities. The minister emphasized that, considering the increasing budgetary costs associated with feeding inmates, a partnership with NIRSAL would enable inmates to produce their own food.
During the visit of NIRSAL’s management, led by Managing Director Abbas Masanawa, Tunji-Ojo discussed the potential benefits of such a collaboration. In a statement released by the ministry’s Director of Press, Ajibola Afonja, the minister suggested that NIRSAL could play a crucial role in supporting the Nigeria Correctional Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
“NIRSAL can do a lot of good for the Nigeria Correctional Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. With the rising budgetary cost of feeding inmates, NIRSAL can partner with the interior ministry to secure funds for the engagement of inmates in farming activities to produce their food,” stated Tunji-Ojo.
In response, NIRSAL’s Managing Director explained that the organization is a non-bank financial institution wholly owned by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Its primary mission is to redefine, measure, reprice, and share agribusiness-related credit risk in Nigeria. A potential collaboration with the Ministry of Interior could contribute to sustainable solutions, aligning with the government’s focus on rehabilitation and self-sufficiency within correctional facilities.
As discussions progress, the partnership between the Ministry of Interior and NIRSAL holds the promise of creating opportunities for inmates to engage in meaningful agricultural activities, fostering skill development, and contributing to their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
