The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed recent reports alleging poor feeding of inmates in Custodial Centres across the country, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by Umar Abubakar, the Service’s Public Relations Officer, the NCoS said the allegations were recycled and aimed at causing unnecessary public concern.
“The publication is a gross misrepresentation of the realities within our facilities.
“Inmates are fed in line with nutritional standards recommended by health professionals, and the process is closely monitored by a ration committee under the directive of the Controller General of Corrections,” the statement said.
According to BusinessDay, the Service noted that the Service operates strictly under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, which mandates the provision of adequate nutrition, healthcare, and general welfare for inmates.
In response to the economic situation and inflation, the statement also revealed that the Federal Government recently approved an increase in the daily feeding allowance for inmates to ₦1,125 per person.
“This adjustment underscores the Government’s commitment to the humane treatment of persons in custody and the ongoing reforms to improve conditions in correctional centres,” it added.
The NCoS emphasised that oversight bodies, including the Ministry of Interior, civil society organisations, and international partners, regularly assess conditions in the Centres, and none of their reports support the claims of neglect.
The Service urged the public and media to verify information before publication and avoid sensationalism that could damage the integrity of the institution and the efforts of its personnel.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticised the NCoS over its denial of media reports alleging poor feeding of inmates, describing the Service’s response as “heartless and disgusting.”
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group said the NCoS’ defence was not only insensitive but also a tacit admission that inmates are indeed malnourished and underfed.
“We totally disagree with the hierarchy of the Nigerian Correctional Service for suggesting that the revised daily feeding allowance of ₦1,250 per inmate is adequate.
“It is appalling to hear such a statement at a time when inflation and the cost-of-living crisis have made even basic food items unaffordable for the average citizen,” Onwubiko said.
He argued that the allowance was grossly insufficient, saying it was “not even enough to feed a dog once a day.”
HURIWA called on the government to review its approach to inmate welfare and ensure that budgetary allocations reflect current economic realities and the need to uphold human dignity.
BusinessDay