The Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, has clarified that each inmate in custodial facilities across the nation receives a daily feeding allowance of N750, countering the mischievous claim of N200 circulated in a section of the media.
In a statement issued by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abubakar Umar, on Thursday in Abuja, the NCoS said that the media report was entirely false, misleading, and aimed at causing mischief.
He said; “For the avoidance of doubt, the public may wish to note that feeding allowance for inmates in Nigeria is in the public domain, and vendors are paid the approved amount upon completion of supply.
“The Contract for ration supply is usually made public, and the conditions clearly stated for interested vendors to apply in line with the Public Procurement Act 2007.”
Mr. Umar noted that every custodial centre has a ration committee that exercises a supervisory role over quality assurance of supply, preparation, and distribution to inmates to ensure that they are fed within the approved budget.
“The authorities have, over the years, demonstrated commitment towards improving inmates’ welfare in terms of feeding as well as empowerment through effective reformation and rehabilitation programmes,” he said.
Mr. Umar stated that the Service is making efforts to appeal to the Nigerian Government for upward review of feeding allowance to reflect the present economic realities.
He said; “The authorities have over the years, demonstrated commitment towards improving inmates’ welfare in terms of feeding as well as empowerment through effective reformation and rehabilitation programmes…It would be unfair and unpatriotic for anyone to fabricate stories just to denigrate the Service.
“The public is advised to disregard the false report and be assured of the irrevocable commitment of the Controller-General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa to work for the general good of persons in custody even as genuine support of well-meaning Nigerians will continue to be appreciated.”
Mercy Chukwudiebere
Mercy Chukwudiebere
