The Federal Government has announced an increase in the daily feeding allowance for inmates in Nigerian prisons from N750 to N1,125. This adjustment comes as a response to the challenges posed by the country‘s escalating inflation rates, which had previously reduced the effective feeding budget to less than N500 per inmate per day when accounting for taxes, gas costs, and vendor profits.
During his first meeting with senior prison officers, Acting Controller General of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, acknowledged the increase, 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 improved rate.” He emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare of inmates, highlighting the deployment of monitoring teams to ensure the new feeding allowance is effectively utilized.
Nwakuche outlined a broader strategy for prison reform, which includes:
Expansion of educational and vocational facilities to aid in the rehabilitation of inmates.
Promotion of public-private partnerships to ensure the sustainability of these reforms.
Special care for vulnerable inmates like pregnant women, babies, nursing mothers, and the physically challenged.
In addressing the issue of overcrowding, particularly with 48,932 inmates awaiting trial as of January 6, 2025, Nwakuche plans to collaborate with key stakeholders such as the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, and state judicial systems to expedite trials, especially for those charged with serious crimes like armed robbery and murder.
He stressed the importance of non-custodial measures and early release mechanisms to reduce prison populations and urged officers to engage with state chief judges and attorneys-general to implement these measures.
Furthermore, Nwakuche issued strict directives to prevent incidents like escapes or riots, which he attributed to negligence. He mandated regular inspections of prison facilities, weekly searches, and immediate reporting of any structural or operational issues that need attention.
This reformative approach not only aims at improving the living conditions of inmates but also seeks to streamline the judicial process, reducing the strain on prison facilities while enhancing rehabilitation efforts.
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