The Nigeria Correctional Service revealed on Thursday that the Federal Government has approved an increase in the feeding allowance for prison inmates.
This decision comes in the wake of a viral video where inmates at the Calabar correctional facility in Cross River State voiced concerns about inadequate food provisions.
According to The PUNCH, during the monthly briefing of the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee held in Abuja, NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar highlighted that the increment was driven by the escalating cost of food.
He addressed the video in question, stating, “The viral video is not a representation of Nigeria Correctional Service, nor is it a mandate of the service on reformation and rehabilitation of inmates. Let me make this known here that since the inception of the change in name, significant progress has been made in reforming those who are in our custody.”
He further noted that an investigation into the video had been initiated, adding, “The NCoS has actually ordered for detailed investigation of the said video, which is going viral. And on the outcome of the investigation, I may not be able to speak much on that.”
Abubakar also confirmed that the government has adjusted the feeding allowance for inmates by 50%, stating, “The Federal Government has actually reviewed the feeding allowance of inmates in our custody with 50 per cent. And this is just the first phase of the review.”
In addition to addressing the feeding allowance, the spokesperson emphasized the NCoS’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for the rehabilitation of inmates.
He disclosed that over 1,000 inmates are currently enrolled in university programs, with 282 pursuing diploma and Master’s degrees, and six working on PhDs.
Umar noted, “Let me say here that currently in an effort to ensure that we have what I refer to as public safety through our reformatory activities, we have over 1,000 of our inmates who are actually going through their various degree programme, 282 doing their diploma and master’s degree programme, and six that are doing their PhD programme. Three of the PhD students are already writing their thesis.”
These educational opportunities, along with skill acquisition programs, are part of the NCoS’s strategy to help inmates reintegrate into society, with Abubakar adding, “It is the care we give to these inmates in our custody that has provided a serene environment to help them learn skill acquisition across our custodial centre.”
