The Federal Government of Nigeria has increased the daily feeding allowance for prison inmates from N750 to N1,125.
This is in the bid to improve the welfare of those in custody.
During his inaugural meeting with senior officers from the rank of controllers of prisons, the Acting Controller General of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, acknowledged the increment but emphasized the need for further improvements.
“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 improved rate,” he said.
To ensure proper implementation, Nwakuche revealed that monitoring teams from the NPS national headquarters had been deployed to oversee inmates’ feeding.
He urged senior officers to support the teams, describing the task as a national duty.
Nwakuche stressed that the Service existed to serve inmates and committed to prioritising their welfare.
“Our efforts in reforming and rehabilitating inmates will also involve expanding classrooms, upscaling vocational skills centres, and fostering public-private partnerships to guarantee sustainability.
He added that vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, nursing mothers, babies, and physically challenged inmates, would receive special attention.
“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 said.
Addressing prison overcrowding, Nwakuche outlined plans to address the challenge of prison overcrowding, disclosing that 48,932 inmates were awaiting trial as of January 6, 2025.
He also called on officers to collaborate with state chief judges, attorneys-general, and commissioners of police to address the backlog of cases.
“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 said.
Further, Nwakuche highlighted the potential of non-custodial measures and early release mechanisms in reducing the number of inmates.
“I implore you to reach out to the state chief judges, attorneys-general of your states, and other stakeholders to cash in on this; some of them need to be educated on this,” he urged.
Tackling security challenges, Nwakuche issued a stern warning to officers about prison security, emphasising the importance of preventing escapes, riots, and attacks.
“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.
Nwakuche directed officers to resume quarterly inspections of prison facilities immediately and ensure regular weekly searches.
He also stressed the need to report weak structures and other urgent issues requiring attention.
Nigerian Tribune
