The Federal Government has announced a 50 per cent increase in the feeding allowance for inmates across Nigeria, with the new rates taking effect from August 2024.
This move is part of an effort to address the escalating cost of food and enhance the overall welfare of inmates.
Abubakar Umar, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), confirmed the development during an interview with PUNCH on Thursday.
He explained that the increase represents the “first phase” of a comprehensive review aimed at improving the living conditions of those in the nation’s correctional facilities.
“The inmate feeding allowance has been increased by 50 per cent, effective from August 2024. This is just the first phase,” Umar said.
He further emphasized that this adjustment would not be the last, as the government plans to conduct further reviews in response to the continuing rise in food prices.
He stated, “The FG will also consider additional reviews. This is just the first phase. Normally, there is a period when inmate feeding allowances are reviewed. Following a presentation during the budget process, the FG deemed it necessary to adjust the allowance due to the rising cost of food. Further adjustments are expected.”
Recall that Umar also provided an update on the inmate population during a press briefing held on Wednesday in Abuja.
He revealed that as of September 3, 2024, Nigeria’s correctional centres housed a total of 84,741 inmates, comprising 82,821 males and 1,920 females.
He further noted that 57,750 of these inmates are awaiting trial, with the majority—56,303 males and 1,447 females—classified as Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs).