By Onilede Titi Faith
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has spent over N14 billion feeding inmates awaiting trial between January and August 2025, findings by The PUNCH have shown.
Records reveal that the number of individuals held without trial has steadily risen, averaging 52,665 inmates during the period. As of August 25, a total of 53,114 inmates remained in custody.
The Federal Government had earlier raised the daily feeding allowance per inmate from N750 to N1,125, bringing the Service’s daily food bill for awaiting trial inmates to N59.2 million. Over 237 days, this amounted to N14.04 billion.
NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar said the Service, under Controller General Sylvester Nwakuche, has sustained food supply despite inflation, working with government agencies and contractors to ensure consistent delivery.
He stressed that feeding inmates goes beyond sustenance, describing it as essential to humane corrections and rehabilitation.
The Service, he added, remains open to civil society and oversight collaboration to uphold standards and protect inmates’ rights.
