Nigeria Prisons Authority Denies Claims Of Poor Feeding Of Inmates in Custodial Centers

Reacting to the claims in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Abubakar Umar, said the reports were “misleading, sensational, and grossly inaccurate.”

Umar stressed that the claims, which were completely untrue, do not reflect the actual situation in the country’s custodial facilities.

He explained that the Federal Government makes dedicated budgetary provisions every year for the feeding of inmates and that the funds are judiciously utilised under strict supervision and guidelines.

He explained that each inmate is entitled to three meals daily—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—as stipulated in the operational guidelines of the Service.

According to Umar, all custodial centres are governed by operational procedures that ensure the proper and timely feeding of all inmates.

“The Federal Government allocates funds specifically for the feeding of inmates, and the process is strictly monitored to ensure compliance with established standards.

“The allegation that inmates are dying of hunger is unfounded. There is no record in any of our custodial centres that inmates are being starved or dying because of inadequate feeding.

“It is completely false to insinuate that inmates are left to starve or that hunger is leading to deaths within our facilities.

“We want to assure the public that inmates are properly fed and their welfare remains a top priority for the Nigerian Correctional Service,” he said.

The service spokesman noted that the report was not only unethical but also defied logic, given the tight security measures and restricted access to correctional centres.

Umar said that entry into correctional centres is governed by strict protocols requiring written applications, approval from the Officer-in-Charge, and, in some cases, clearance from the Controller-General.

“I wonder how a journalist could claim to have interviewed inmates inside a custodial facility. These are high-security zones where you can’t just walk in, let alone carry recording devices.

“Even cameras and mobile phones are prohibited because of the risk of concealed recording. So, for anyone to say they interviewed inmates inside a custodial centre is nothing but a fabrication,” he added.

Umar emphasised that the NCoS has strengthened its internal monitoring mechanisms to ensure the proper use of resources meant for inmates’ welfare, including the feeding programme.

He said that the officers in charge of custodial centres are held accountable, and there is a supervisory system at the national and state levels to ensure that the approved standards are maintained.

He pointed out that the NCoS has a zero-tolerance policy for negligence or mismanagement relating to the welfare of inmates.

“We maintain a robust accountability system. Any officer found wanting in the discharge of their duties faces appropriate disciplinary measures in line with the law,” he added.

While acknowledging that the service, like many other public institutions, faces operational challenges, Umar maintained that such challenges have not compromised the feeding arrangements for inmates.

Umar, however, expressed concern that such unfounded reports could create unnecessary public anxiety and tarnish the image of the service.