The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a 50% increase in the feeding allowance for inmates in Nigeria’s Custodial Centres, effective from August 2024. This decision is part of a broader effort to enhance the welfare of inmates.
Umar Abubakar, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), announced the increment at the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee’s monthly press briefing in Abuja. Abubakar attributed the increase to “the rising cost of food” and stated, “The Federal Government has reviewed the feeding allowance of inmates in our custody by 50%. This is just the first phase of the review.”
The adjustment follows a recent viral video in which inmates at a correctional centre in Calabar, Cross River State, expressed concerns over inadequate feeding. Addressing the video, Abubakar clarified, “The viral video is not a representation of the Nigeria Correctional Service, nor is it a mandate of the service on reformation and rehabilitation of inmates. The NCoS has ordered a detailed investigation of the said video.”
Additionally, Abubakar disclosed that over 1,000 inmates are currently pursuing university degrees, with six inmates studying for their PhDs. He highlighted that three of the PhD students are already in the process of writing their theses. He further explained, “This is part of our efforts to ensure public safety through our reformatory activities, aimed at changing the psyche and behavior of inmates and facilitating their re-entry into society.”
He also emphasized that the NCoS is committed to providing a conducive environment for learning and skill acquisition, stating, “It is the care we give to these inmates that has provided a serene environment to help them learn skill acquisition across our custodial centres.”
This announcement is one of several steps the Federal Government is taking to improve conditions in Nigeria’s correctional facilities.
