FG Increases Daily Feeding Allowance for Inmates to N1,125

The Federal Government has raised the daily feeding allowance for inmates in Nigerian prisons from N750 to N1,125, in a move aimed at addressing challenges associated with inflation and improving the welfare of those in custody. This was announced by the Acting Controller General of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, during his first meeting with senior prison officers.

Highlighting the importance of inmate welfare, Nwakuche emphasized that while the increase is significant, efforts will continue to further improve the rate to match the nation’s economic realities. He also revealed that monitoring teams have been deployed from the national headquarters to ensure proper implementation of the new feeding allowance. Senior officers were urged to cooperate with these teams and view the initiative as a national priority.

Nwakuche outlined additional measures to enhance inmate welfare and rehabilitation, including expanding classrooms, upgrading vocational skills centers, and fostering public-private partnerships to ensure sustainability. Special attention will also be given to vulnerable groups within prisons, such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, and individuals with disabilities.

In addressing the critical issue of prison overcrowding, Nwakuche disclosed plans to expedite the prosecution of 48,932 inmates currently awaiting trial. He said discussions would be held with key stakeholders, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, and other prosecuting agencies, to prioritize cases involving non-bailable offences like armed robbery and murder, which account for over 60% of awaiting trial inmates. State chief judges, attorneys-general, and commissioners of police were also encouraged to collaborate on decongestion efforts.

Acknowledging overcrowding as the NPS’s most pressing challenge, Nwakuche proposed the use of non-custodial measures and early release mechanisms to reduce the influx of inmates into facilities. He urged prison officers to educate state stakeholders on these measures and emphasized the importance of routine inspections, weekly searches, and reporting weak structures requiring urgent attention.

In a stern warning to officers, Nwakuche stressed the need for vigilance, stating that issues such as escapes, riots, and attacks—often stemming from negligence—must not recur. He assured that consequences for such lapses would be severe and directed officers to resume immediate and thorough inspections of prison facilities within their jurisdictions.

The Acting Controller General’s initiatives signal a renewed focus on improving prison conditions, enhancing inmate welfare, and addressing systemic challenges in Nigeria’s correctional system.