Ex-inmates receive fish tanks, ₦50,000, others in FCT

Sixteen ex-inmates who participated in the Farming Justice Project have received starter packs comprising fish tanks, cash support of ₦50,000 each and other items.

This initiative by the Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, and non-governmental organisation, Hope Behind Bars Africa is aimed at helping the former inmates to rebuild their lives following release from custody.

A statement on Thursday by the FCT Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, A. S Duza said the distribution of the items  is part of ongoing efforts to support post-release reintegration and reduce recidivism by equipping beneficiaries with tools for immediate economic activity.

Duza said the  starter packs were tailored to support farming, fishery and small-scale trade.

The distribution is part of ongoing efforts to support post-release reintegration and reduce recidivism by equipping beneficiaries with tools for immediate economic activity.

“The starter packs included items to support farming, fishery, and small-scale trade: 7 fish tanks, 10 knapsack sprayers, 350 buckets, 30 units of various seeds, 1,050 fingerlings allocated at 150 per fish-farming beneficiary, payment of shop rent for one beneficiary, 1 clipper, 1 fan, and ₦50,000 cash support for each of the 16 beneficiaries,” the statement partly read.

The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Jen, described the partnership as aligned with the Service’s mandate of reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

He urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the items.

“Let your success be the strongest argument for more support to those coming behind you,” he said.

He added that they have gotten these skills freely from the custodial centre and should give out freely now that they are outside.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nurudeen Hassan of Hope Behind Bars Africa described the initiative as rooted in the conviction that release from prison should not mark the end of support for ex-inmates.

Hassan said, “The Farming Justice Project is built on the belief that freedom should come with opportunity.

“These starter packs are not just tools — they are a bridge from custody to community. We are committed to ensuring that ex-inmates have the capital, skills, and dignity to restart their lives.”

The FCT Command of the NCoS has in recent years pursued closer collaboration with civil society partners to strengthen its reintegration programmes, reflecting a broader institutional recognition that the correctional service alone cannot bear the full burden of post-release support.