The Federal Government has announced an increase in the daily feeding allowance for inmates in its prisons, raising it from N750 to N1,125 per inmate.
This adjustment comes amid Nigeria’s rising inflation and concerns over the insufficient allocation for feeding inmates.
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Speaking at his inaugural meeting with senior officers from the rank of controllers of prisons, Acting Controller General of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, confirmed the increment. He acknowledged that the new allowance was an improvement but emphasized the need for further enhancements.
“You will agree with me that inmates’ feeding rate has been graciously increased by Mr. President from N750 to N1,125 per inmate per day. While it is not yet ‘Uhuru,’ I will continue to press for an improved rate,” Nwakuche said.
To ensure effective implementation, Nwakuche revealed that monitoring teams from the NPS headquarters have been dispatched to oversee inmates’ feeding. He urged senior officers to cooperate with the teams and treat the assignment as a national priority.
Highlighting the welfare of inmates, Nwakuche noted, “Our efforts in reforming and rehabilitating inmates will also involve expanding classrooms, upscaling vocational skills centres, and fostering public-private partnerships to guarantee sustainability. Let me also reiterate here that the management of vulnerable persons in prisons, such as pregnant women, babies, nursing mothers, and physically challenged persons, will be favourably taken care of.”
On prison congestion, Nwakuche disclosed that 48,932 inmates are awaiting trial as of January 6, 2025. To address this, he plans to engage key stakeholders, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, and state judiciary officials, to fast-track the prosecution of these cases.
“I intend to interface with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Inspector General of Police, and other prosecuting agencies to fast-track the trial of these inmates, especially those on non-bailable offences such as armed robbery and murder, which constitute over 60% of awaiting trial persons,” he said.
He further called on officers to collaborate with state chief judges and attorneys-general to adopt non-custodial measures and early release mechanisms to ease congestion in prison facilities.
In addressing internal challenges, Nwakuche warned officers against negligence, which could lead to escapes, riots, and attacks in prisons. “The consequences of such grievous offences are severe and should be avoided at all costs. You have been warned. Take this message to staff under you,” he stated.
The Acting Controller General also directed officers to prioritize quarterly inspections and regular searches of prison facilities, ensuring that weak structures and urgent issues are promptly addressed.
This development reflects the NPS’s commitment to improving prison conditions and addressing systemic challenges while ensuring the welfare of inmates.
