The House of Representatives has called for the engagement of inmates in farming activities in the Nigerian Correctional Centres.
The House reached this resolution when it adopted a motion sponsored by member representing Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Waterside federal constituency of Ogun State, Hon. Folorunsho Adegbesan.
Moving the motion, Adegbesan said in most African countries, the average diet provided in correctional centres contributes to malnutrition among inmates to the extent that many courts in Africa have expressed concern over the frequency, quantity, and quality of food served in correctional centres, deeming it cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment.
The lawmaker noted that worldwide, approximately 11 million people are currently being held in correctional centres with Nigeria having a total number of 84,741 inmates, comprising 82,821 males and 1,920 females.
He said correctional centres and other organisations around the world are creating and implementing sustainable food programmes to bring better nutrition to incarcerated people.
Adegbesan expressed worry that the World Health Organisation (WHO) report showed food affects physical and mental health and is key to an inmate’s successful rehabilitation and resettlement upon release.
He observed that food sustainability in correctional centres can help inmates receive nutritious food, learn about sustainable agricultural practices, and obtain vocational training experiences that can help them integrate back into society.
The lawmaker maintained that engaging inmates in farming will enhance food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture in Nigeria and beyond.
