Nigerian Correctional Service Denies Claims of Poor Inmate Feeding
NCoS Dismisses Reports as Misleading
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has strongly refuted recent claims that inmates across custodial centers in Nigeria are poorly fed, describing such reports as false and misleading. The Service, through its National Spokesman, Abubakar Umar, stated that these allegations misrepresent the actual conditions within their facilities.
Commitment to Inmate Welfare
The NCoS emphasized that it operates under strict guidelines outlined in the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, which ensures adequate nutrition, healthcare, and welfare for all inmates. Umar explained that meals provided meet nutritional standards set by health professionals and are routinely monitored by a ration committee.
“Our menu plans are standardized and reviewed periodically to align with evolving health standards and budgetary provisions,” he said.
Increased Feeding Allowance
Umar highlighted that the government recently raised the daily feeding allowance per inmate from ₦750 to ₦1,125, demonstrating its commitment to humane treatment and international best practices. He assured the public that the Service remains dedicated to upholding inmates’ rights and dignity.
HURIWA Condemns NCoS Stance
In contrast, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) criticized the NCoS’s position as “heartless and disgusting.” National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko argued that the increased feeding allowance remains insufficient given Nigeria’s rising cost of living.
“This amount isn’t even enough to feed a dog once a day,” Onwubiko stated, calling the situation a crime against humanity that requires urgent redress.
Call for Transparency
The NCoS urged media outlets and the public to verify information before dissemination, while HURIWA demanded immediate reforms to improve inmate welfare conditions.