Nigerian Correctional Service spent N14bn feeding over 53,000 inmates awaiting trial between January and August 2025, despite economic pressures

Nigerian Correctional Service has confirmed spending over N14bn on feeding inmates awaiting trial between January and August 2025.

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Records revealed that the population of individuals held without trial steadily increased during the period, averaging 52,665 inmates. By August 25, a total of 53,114 people remained in custody awaiting trial.

The cost escalation followed the Federal Government’s decision under President Bola Tinubu to raise daily feeding allowances from N750 to N1,125 per inmate. Over 237 days, this amounted to an estimated N59.2m per day — totalling N14.04bn.

Spokesperson Umar Abubakar, representing the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, defended the expenditure, stressing that providing daily meals is a constitutional responsibility.

He explained that the Service has maintained operations despite inflation through partnerships with government agencies and food contractors.

“Feeding inmates is not merely about sustenance, but a reflection of our broader commitment to humane corrections,” Abubakar stated. He added that prioritising inmate welfare is essential for rehabilitation and reintegration, which remain core goals of the Service.

He further noted that the Nigerian Correctional Service remains open to collaboration with civil society groups and oversight bodies to safeguard inmates’ rights to nutrition and humane treatment.

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While the N14bn figure has sparked debate, the Service insists the expenditure underscores its dedication to fairness, responsibility, and justice in Nigeria’s correctional system.