In a significant step toward clean energy adoption and prison reform, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to provide off-grid renewable electricity to correctional facilities across the country.
The initiative was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Abuja and aims not only to electrify correctional centres with sustainable energy but also to equip inmates with practical skills in solar technology and green energy solutions.
A New Era for Correctional Reform
Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, described the partnership as a landmark move in transforming correctional centres into hubs of rehabilitation and innovation.
“Today, we’re not just signing an MoU. We’re building a platform that provides renewable energy to this institution, and one that will assist in rehabilitation, innovation, vocational skills, and training,” he said.
Nwakuche praised Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for championing a progressive approach to correctional reform, noting that the days of neglecting inmates’ futures are over.
“This is more than an agreement on paper. With access to energy, we’re opening doors for skill acquisition and reintegration. Who brings light brings life—and REA, you have brought life to custodial facilities. We are elated.”
REA’s Impact Across Nigeria
REA Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, underscored the agency’s growing national footprint, revealing that over 160 megawatts of off-grid solar power have already been deployed, impacting 1,650 communities, over 1,000 healthcare centres, and over six million Nigerians across the 36 states and the FCT.
“This MoU formalises partnerships that are already aligned in spirit, vision, and mission. We are proud to collaborate with impactful institutions and forward-thinking leaders in Nigeria’s energy and development sectors,” Aliyu said.
REA’s Executive Director of Technical Services, Engr. Umar Umar, said the partnership is part of a broader strategy to scale the impact of clean energy across critical institutions.
“This collaboration brings sustainable power to correctional centres, enhancing security, vocational training, and operational efficiency. It aligns with global best practices in justice reform and human rights,” he added.
Green Energy Meets Rehabilitation
The project is not merely infrastructural. It aims to empower inmates with marketable skills in solar installation and maintenance, offering them a path to reintegration and productivity post-incarceration.
The partnership also supports the Federal Government’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP), which targets universal energy access by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2060. Key to this is Mission 300, an initiative to deploy 300 megawatts of solar mini-grids across the country.
A Multi-Sectoral Alliance
Alongside the NCoS, other signatories to the MoU include:
NIRSAL
GEM Africa
Africa Energy Council
Barton Heyman (Development and Advisory Partner)
Engr. Umar praised Barton Heyman’s role, stating:
“They continue to be a pillar of strength, offering not just funding, but global expertise, policy alignment, and technical advisory that elevate our interventions.”
