WATCH THE VIDEO HERE THE Federal Government has approved a 50% increase in the feeding allowance for inmates in Nigeria’s Custodial Centres, effective from August 2024. This decision is part of efforts to improve the welfare of inmates. During the monthly press briefing of the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee in Abuja today, the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, explained that the increase was necessitated by the rising cost of food. He emphasized that a recent viral video does not represent the NCoS’s mission of inmate reformation and rehabilitation, noting that significant progress has been made since the service’s name change. Umar also shared that a detailed investigation into the viral video, which featured complaints about inadequate feeding at a correctional centre in Calabar, Cross River State, is underway. He refrained from providing further details until the investigation concludes. Furthermore, the NCoS disclosed that over 1,000 inmates are currently pursuing university degrees, with six working towards PhDs. Umar added that 282 inmates are enrolled in diploma and Master’s programs, all of which are part of the service’s efforts to reform inmates and prepare them for reintegration into society. He highlighted that the conducive environment created by the NCoS allows inmates to acquire skills and education, contributing to public safety and their rehabilitation.
FG approves 50% feeding allowance increase for inmates
