The Federal Government has announced an increase in the daily feeding allowance of inmates from N750 to N1,125.

In June 2024, concerns were raised over the feeding allowance of inmates, as they were required to feed on N500 for three square meals a day after deductions for taxes, gas costs, and food vendor profits.

Acting Controller General of the Nigeria Prisons Service, NPS, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, while interacting with senior officers from the rank of controllers of prisons, promised to continue seeking an improved rate.

He said, “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.

“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, persons such as pregnant women, babies, nursing mothers, physically challenged etc, will be favourably taken care of,” he added.

“At present, our statistics as of Monday, January 6, 2025, showed that 48,932 inmates in custody are awaiting trial persons, ATPs.

“I intend to interface with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Inspector General of Police, and other prosecuting agencies and critical stakeholders to fast track the trial of these inmates, especially those on non-bailable offences, such as armed robbery, murder and others that constitute over 60% of awaiting trial persons ATPs.”

Meanwhile, I want to urge you to relate with your state chief judges, attorneys-general, commissioners of police to further address the challenges,” he stated.