The Federal Government has raised the feeding allowance for inmates by 50 per cent in response to the rising cost of food items in the country.
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Correctional Service, ACC Abubakar Umar, made this known on Thursday while describing the increment as the “first phase” of a broader review of inmate’s welfare to enhance living conditions for inmates.
The budget for feeding inmates as contained in the 2024 Appropriations Act is currently N750 daily (N250 per meal). With the increment, inmates will now be fed with N1,125 daily (Less than N375 per meal).
According to Umar, “the FG will also consider additional reviews. This is just the first phase. Normally, there is a period when inmate feeding allowances are reviewed.
“Following a presentation during the budget process, the FG deemed it necessary to adjust the allowance due to the rising cost of food. Further adjustments are expected,” Umar explained.
It was earlier reported an incident of a poorly cooked meal at Calabar prison.
Subsequently, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered a probe of the incident which he described as dehumanising
