FG TO INSTALL SOLAR MINI-GRIDS IN PRISONS
The Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish solar-powered mini-grids in several custodial centres across Nigeria, marking a significant step toward enhancing the welfare of inmates, boosting security measures, and improving overall facility operations. The initiative aims to provide round-the-clock electricity to the correctional facilities, enabling continuous lighting, powering essential security systems, and mitigating security risks within and around the centres.
The decision was revealed in Abuja during a meeting between the Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, and the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu. Nwakuche explained that his discussions with various relevant agencies, including the REA, were aimed at forging partnerships that could help improve the infrastructure and vocational offerings within the correctional facilities.
In his remarks, Nwakuche emphasized the often-overlooked nature of custodial facilities, describing them as a community that, while not widely recognized, deserves equal attention for its capacity to rehabilitate and transform inmates. He highlighted that many inmates possess remarkable potential, with some even holding advanced degrees. “In these centres, there are awaiting trial inmates, and not everyone there is guilty. Some are pursuing educational qualifications, and we have PhD, Master’s, and Degree holders,” he noted.
He also pointed out the potential of integrating solar power into the farm centres operated by NCoS, suggesting that the use of mini-grids could foster sustainable agricultural practices. Nwakuche further emphasized the availability of both land and manpower within these facilities, which could be leveraged for the installation and maintenance of solar energy infrastructure.
Responding to the proposal, Aliyu expressed the REA’s willingness to extend its interventions to the NCoS, highlighting the agency’s ongoing efforts in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and defense. He also committed to exploring training programs for inmates in renewable energy, which would not only enhance the skills of inmates but also contribute to the development of green energy solutions within the correctional facilities.
Aliyu lauded Nwakuche’s innovative approach, recognizing the significant potential for such a partnership to bring lasting improvements to the lives of inmates while contributing to national development goals.
