The Federal Government has approved a 50 per cent increase in the feeding allowance for inmates in Nigeria’s Custodial Centres
The increase will take effect from August 2024 as part of measures aimed at improving the welfare of inmates.
Speaking on Thursday at the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee’s monthly press briefing in Abuja, the spokesperson for the service, Umar Abubakar, said the increment was a result of the rising cost of food.
He said: “The viral video is not a representation of Nigeria Correctional Service, nor is it a mandate of the service on reformation and rehabilitation of inmates. Let me make this known here that since the inception of the change in name, significant progress has been made in reforming those who are in our custody.
“Four days ago, I granted an interview where we gave details on the alleged video. The NCoS has actually ordered for detailed investigation of the said video, which is going viral. And on the outcome of the investigation, I may not be able to speak much on that.
“And on the issue of the cost of food, the Federal Government has actually reviewed the feeding allowance of inmates in our custody with 50 per cent. And this is just the first phase of the review.”
It also disclosed that over 1,000 inmates are currently pursuing university degrees, while six are studying for PhD.
The increase in inmates’ feeding allowance follows a recent viral video in which inmates at a correctional centre in Calabar, Cross River State, complained about inadequate feeding.
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