Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta) says he has proposed a bill before the Senate to establish a National Talent Rehabilitation and Integration Agency.

In an interview on Friday, Mr Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, said the proposed bill resulted from the talents discovered in the illegal arms factory in Onicha-Olona, Delta. The Nigerian Army arrested them and soon released them.

Mr Nwoko added that it was also recognised that the talents and skills of such individuals if harnessed and integrated into the formal economy, have the potential to contribute positively to society and boost local industries.

The lawmaker, who is also a member of the Senate Committee on Defence, said a comprehensive framework for rehabilitating and integrating offenders with specialised technological talents was needed to provide them with opportunities for growth, development, and lawful employment.

The senator also said the government’s duty was to protect the welfare of its citizens, promote social justice, and prevent the misuse of technology for illicit purposes.

“It is in accordance with these principles that I proposed the bill titled ‘A Bill For An Act To Establish The National Talent Rehabilitation and Integration Agency And For Related Matters’ to be enacted by

the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, the bill seeks to address the challenge of skilled individuals engaging in illegal activities.

“This is particularly in technology-related fields, by providing a structured framework for their rehabilitation and integration into lawful employment and entrepreneurship.

“Through the establishment of the National Talent Rehabilitation and Integration Agency, the talents of offenders with specialised skills will be harnessed, public safety promoted, recidivism rates reduced, and they can contribute to the nation’s economic development.

“For the purpose of this act, offenders shall refer to individuals who have been convicted of illegal activities involving technology, including but not limited to the manufacturing of weaponry,” he said.

Mr Nwoko explained that specialised skills and talents in technology would encompass a wide range of technical abilities, including, but not limited to, software development, engineering, robotics, and other fields relevant to manufacturing and using technological products.

He said that offenders must meet certain criteria to be eligible for participation in rehabilitation and integration programmes under the act.

“They must possess demonstrable expertise and proficiency in technological fields relevant to the objectives of this Act,

such as software development, engineering, electronics or other specialised areas.

“They must have been convicted of illegal activities involving

technology, including but not limited to the manufacturing, distribution or utilisation of weaponry or other technological products for unlawful purposes,” he said.

The lawmaker, however, said that offenders would be made to undergo a comprehensive assessment to evaluate their potential for rehabilitation

and successful integration into the formal economy.

He said the programme would also encompass vocational training, mentorship and counselling, job placement and entrepreneurship support, social reintegration, and community engagement.

Mr Nwoko also said that the board of the proposed agency would be composed of representatives from various governmental entities

and relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to the Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Security Agency (NSA) and the State Security Service (SSS).

He said others would include the Nigerian Police Force, navy, army, and air force, and other relevant stakeholders like academia, industry associations, non-governmental organisations, and community groups.

(NAN)