Reps Pass For Second Reading Bill To Establish Correctional Reformation And Reintegration Trust Fund By Saheed Badmus
Reps Pass For Second Reading Bill To Establish Correctional Reformation And Reintegration Trust Fund
By Saheed Badmus
Nigerian House of Representatives has passed for second reading
a bill for an Actr to establish Correctional Reformation and Reintegration Trust Fund (CRRTF).
The bill which seeks to ensure sustainable financing for inmate rehabilitation, skill acquisition was sponsored by Rep. Steve Fatoba representing Ado Ekiti / Irepodun / Ifelodun Federal Constituency, Ekiti State( (APC) at plenary on Wednesday.
Leading the debate, Fatoba said that the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has a mandate that includes the safe custody, reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of offenders intosociety.
He, however, said that limited funding and inadequate rehabilitation infrastructure had hindered the realisation of the set goals.
According to him, many ex-inmates face stigmatization, unemployment, and relapse into criminal activity due to the absence of structured post-release support.
“The proposed amendment seeks to establish a Correctional Reformation and Reintegration Trust Fund (CRRTF) to provide sustainable financing for inmate rehabilitation, skill acquisition, mental health support, and post-release integration.
“This fund will bridge the gap between incarceration and productive citizenship,” he said.
He explained that the aim of the fund is for vocational and educational training programmes, psychological and drug rehabilitation services and post-release support system including employment schemes and halfway homes.
The lawmaker said that it is to reduce recidivism by equipping ex-inmates for societal reintegration and enhance the correctional system’s alignment with international best practices in offenders rehabilitation.
“The establishment of a Fund is a proactive step toward transforming Nigeria’s correctional system into a tool for nation-building, not just punishment.
“This amendment will ensure that inmates leave correctional facilities not just reformed, but also equipped to become responsible and contributing members of the society,” he said.
The rep said that bill suggested that the fund will be funded by proceeds from vocational agriculture, construction and other activities or services rendered by the inmates.
According to him, it will also draw funds from donations from the religious bodies, 1 per cent of net profit of banking and insurance companies, 1 per cent of net profit of alcohol and tobacco products companies as well as fines, penalties, and forfeitures from criminal cases among others.
The sponsor explained that the fund will be used for vocational training workshops and educational programmes.
He said it will also be used for rehabilitation of drug-dependent inmates, pre-release orientation and reintegration counseling as well as establishment of transitional halfway homes.
Fatoba said that it also be used for monitoring and evaluation of rehabilitation outcomes as well as start-up fund for the inmates upon discharge or release.
Fatoba urged members of the house to support the all important bill to be read the second time and referred to the relevant committee for further legislative input.
