Nigerian Senate has waded heavily into the ongoing challenges in Nigerian prisons particularly, rehabilitation, and has promised to look into agricultural training programmes which the inmates could be engaged with.

This motion was sponsored by Senator Mao Ohuabunwa of Abia South Senatorial District, during Tuesday plenary as the Senator sought means of addressing the problem of rehabilitation of prison inmates through agricultural training programmes.

Leading the debate, the lawmaker noted that Nigerian prisons have a total inmate population of 57,212 with 98 per cent of male and 2 per cent of females.

He further informed that the prison service was designed as a center for reformation, rehabilitation and integration back to society.

He added that a functional skill in farming designed to accommodate inmates through a crop sharing formula and monetary savings made from proceeds, payable at point of inmate disengagement from prisons, will serve both the reformed prisoners and the nation.

Concluding the debate, he maintained that a focused strategy, through agricultural training, will produce ex-prisoners that easily adapt back into the community.

Senators Bayero Nafada and Emmanuel Bwacha supported the motion and reminded other Senators that the prison is meant for rehabilitation.

Senate President Bukola Saraki, in his brief remark, stated that the Senate recently debated a bill on Prison Reforms and it will look into the matter raised as quickly as possible.

•Photo shows Senator Ohuabunwa.