The Nigerian Correctional Service has disclosed that more than ₦14 billion was spent on feeding inmates awaiting trial between January and August 2025.
According to The PUNCH, data obtained from the Service showed that the number of individuals in custody without trial has continued to rise.
In January, 48,932 persons were recorded, climbing to 52,771 in February, and 53,254 in March. By the end of July, the figure reached 53,473, before slightly dropping to 53,114 as of August 25.
On the average, the population of awaiting-trial inmates within the eight-month period stood at about 52,665.
The increase in cost followed the Federal Government’s approval of a new feeding allowance for inmates under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The daily allocation per inmate was raised from ₦750 to ₦1,125.
Calculations based on the records revealed that over 237 days, the Service spent approximately ₦59.2 million every day on meals for awaiting-trial inmates, translating to about ₦14.04 billion in total.
Speaking on the matter, the spokesperson for NCoS, Umar Abubakar, said the Service remains committed to meeting its constitutional mandate.
“Despite economic challenges and inflationary pressures, the Service has continued to provide daily meals for inmates across all custodial centres,” Abubakar said.
He explained that the NCoS works with relevant agencies and accredited food contractors to ensure that supplies are timely and responsibly sourced. “We are open to collaborations with civil society organisations and oversight bodies to maintain standards and protect inmates’ rights to adequate food and nutrition,” he added.
Abubakar stressed that feeding inmates goes beyond meeting basic needs. “It reflects our broader commitment to humane corrections. Prioritising inmate welfare lays the foundation for genuine rehabilitation and reintegration into society,” he said.