The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced an increase in the daily feeding allowance for inmates in correctional facilities, raising it from N750 to N1,125. This decision reflects ongoing concerns regarding the welfare of inmates amidst rising inflation and food costs, which have significantly impacted the quality of meals provided.
Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, the Acting Controller General of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), emphasized the importance of this increase during a recent meeting with senior prison officers. He acknowledged that while this adjustment is a positive step, there remains work to be done to further enhance the conditions for inmates.
Nwakuche stated, “You will agree with me that inmates’ feeding rate has been graciously increased by Mr. President... While it is not yet ‘Uhuru’, I will continue to press for improved rates.”
The previous allowance often left less than N500 available for each inmate's daily meals after accounting for various costs, including taxes and vendor profits. This situation had raised public concern, particularly following reports and viral videos highlighting inadequate feeding conditions in some facilities.
In response to these challenges, Nwakuche outlined plans to improve the overall welfare of inmates. He mentioned initiatives aimed at expanding educational opportunities and vocational training within prisons, as well as fostering partnerships with private organizations to ensure sustainable rehabilitation efforts.
He also stressed the need for monitoring teams to oversee feeding practices and ensure compliance with new standards.
Furthermore, Nwakuche addressed the issue of overcrowding in prisons, revealing that approximately 48,932 inmates are currently awaiting trial.
He expressed his commitment to working with legal authorities to expedite these cases, particularly for non-bailable offenses that constitute a significant portion of the inmate population.
