The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has announced that the upcoming 2025 budget will include a revised feeding allowance for inmates, reflecting current economic conditions.
Stephen Abene, spokesperson for the Nasarawa State NCoS Command, confirmed this development on Tuesday.
The daily feeding allowance for each inmate will increase from N750 to N1,150, a decision approved by the government to enhance inmate welfare and address ongoing nutritional concerns.
“The government recently approved N1,150 for feeding per inmate from N750, which will be captured in the 2025 budget. This upward review is to meet up with the present economic reality,” Abene stated.
Public scrutiny regarding the conditions of inmates has heightened following comments made in December 2023 by NCoS Controller General Haliru Nababa, who revealed that the daily food allowance for prisoners was just N750.
This disclosure drew attention when it was compared to the N800 daily allocation for each of the 900 dogs maintained by the service.
The issue gained further prominence in August 2024 when a viral video from the Afokang Custodial Centre in Calabar depicted poorly prepared meals being served to inmates.
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This footage sparked widespread outrage and led to an investigation initiated by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The NCoS responded by stating that the video did not reflect the general standard of care across its facilities but acknowledged the need for an inquiry.
In a recent report, it was also revealed that 12 inmates at the Keffi Medium Security Custodial Centre in Nasarawa State died in September 2024 due to health complications associated with inadequate nutrition.
This tragic incident has further underscored the urgency for improvements in inmate welfare and living conditions.
As the NCoS prepares for the budget changes, the hope is that the increased feeding allowance will lead to better nutrition and overall conditions for inmates in the country’s correctional facilities.
