Federal Government Increases Daily Feeding Allowance for Prison Inmates to N1,125
The Federal Government has raised the daily feeding allowance for inmates in Nigerian prisons from N750 to N1,125 per person.
The increase, announced by the Acting Controller General of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, comes after concerns over the rising inflation and poor feeding conditions in correctional facilities. Reports had previously revealed that when taxes, gas costs, and vendor profits were deducted from the N750 allowance, less than N500 was effectively used to provide three daily meals per inmate.
Speaking during his maiden meeting with senior officers from the rank of controllers of prisons, Nwakuche acknowledged the increment but stressed the need for further improvements, stating:
“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.”
He disclosed that monitoring teams from the national headquarters had been deployed to inspect inmates’ feeding quality and urged senior officers to cooperate with the teams, emphasizing the national importance of the initiative.
Nwakuche reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of inmates, promising expanded classrooms, enhanced vocational training centers, and stronger public-private partnerships for sustainable rehabilitation programs. He also emphasized the need for special care for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, babies, and physically challenged inmates.
In a significant move to decongest prisons, Nwakuche disclosed plans to fast-track the prosecution of 48,932 inmates currently awaiting trial.
“As of Monday, January 6, 2025, our records show that 48,932 inmates in custody are awaiting trial. I intend to collaborate with the Attorney General of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, and other prosecuting agencies to expedite the trial process, particularly for non-bailable offences like armed robbery and murder, which constitute over 60% of the awaiting trial population.”
The Acting CG also directed prison officials to engage state chief judges, attorneys general, and commissioners of police to address the backlog of cases. He stressed the importance of non-custodial measures and early release mechanisms as strategies to reduce overcrowding, which he identified as the service’s most pressing challenge.
Issuing a stern warning to prison officers, Nwakuche declared zero tolerance for security breaches, including escapes, riots, and attacks, which he attributed to negligence.
“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 further directed officers to resume immediate and rigorous quarterly inspections of prison facilities and weekly security searches, while ensuring that weak infrastructure and urgent matters were promptly reported.
