The Federal Government has approved a 50% increase in the feeding allowance for inmates in Nigeria, effective from August 2024.
This initiative is designed to address the rising costs of food and enhance the welfare of inmates.
Abubakar Umar, spokesperson for the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), confirmed the adjustment during an interview with journalists on Thursday.
Umar described the increase as the “first phase” of a comprehensive review aimed at improving living conditions for inmates.
“The feeding allowance for inmates will be raised by 50% starting August 2024. This adjustment marks the beginning of a phased approach,” Umar stated.
He noted that additional reviews may follow, given the escalating food prices. “The Federal Government will consider further adjustments as needed.
This initial increase is part of a periodic review process. After evaluating the budget and current food costs, the FG decided to enhance the allowance. More changes could be anticipated,” Umar added.
The NCoS reports that Nigeria currently houses 84,575 inmates. For the 2024 budget year, over N24.4 billion has been allocated to the NCoS for food and catering supplies.
Public concern over inmate feeding allowances was heightened after it was revealed in December 2023 by NCoS Controller General Haliru Nababa that N750 was allocated per inmate per day, while N800 was spent daily on feeding the 900 service dogs.
Recent attention to inmate welfare was further sparked by a viral video from the Afokang Custodial Centre in Calabar, Cross River State, showing poorly prepared meals being served to inmates.
This led to public outcry and prompted an investigation ordered by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, into the conditions at the facility.
The NCoS has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, assuring that the incident does not represent the overall standards of care and commitment to inmate welfare nationwide.
