January 14, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has approved N1,125 as a daily feeding allowance for inmates of correctional centres.
“Inmates’ feeding rate has been graciously increased by Mr President from N750 to N1,125 per inmate per day. While it is still yet ‘Uhuru’, I will continue to press for an improved rate. Meanwhile, monitoring teams from the National Headquarters have been sent out to monitor inmates’ feeding”, Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, disclosed on Monday while addressing senior officers of the organisation in Abuja.
Nwakuche also disclosed that a total of 48,932 inmates in custody are currently Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs).
He enjoined officers to continue engaging state chief executives to expedite the trial of the over 90 percent of offenders in custody, as well as employ the non-custodial measures and early release mechanisms through the judiciary.
“We will also fast-track the construction of proposed 3,000-capacity ultra-modern custodial facilities and other centres across the country. Presently, our statistics as of Monday, 6th January 2025, showed that 48,932 inmates in custody are Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs).
Highlighting the policy thrust of President Bola Tinubu that prioritises national security, Nwakuche stated: “Keeping inmates in secure custody is a premium mandate that should never be compromised.
“Our part within the internal security architecture of keeping people in safe and humane custody must be kept. The issues of escapes, riots and attacks that more often than not are results of indolence should never be allowed to repeat themselves. The consequences of such grievous offences are severe and should be avoided at all costs. You have been warned. Take this message to the staff under you.”
The CG, who assured the top brass of the Federal Government’s commitment to staff welfare, as communicated by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, recalled that for the first time in a long while, staff salaries have been increased since December 2024, with the government also embarking on massive transformation and renovation of custodial facilities.
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