The Federal Government has increased the feeding allowance for inmates at the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCos) by 50 per cent.
The service spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, made the disclosure at the monthly news conference organised by the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC) hosted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Abuja.
Mr Abubakar stated that the review, effective from August 24, aims to cushion the high cost of food in the nation. He also debunked a viral video depicting poor nutrition of inmates, saying it does not represent the NCoS mandate on reformation and rehabilitation.
“The government has actually reviewed the feeding allowance of inmates in our custody by 50 per cent, and this is just the first phase of the review. The government is also looking at the next phase, where they will actually improve the allowances of the inmates,” Mr Abubakar said.
He highlighted the progress made in reforming inmates, citing over 1000 pursuing degree programmes, 1282 doing diploma and masters degree programmes, and six pursuing PhD programmes.
“We have what I refer to as public safety through our reformatory activities… The strides recorded are due to the care and serene environment provided by the service for the inmates to pursue their education and acquire life skills,” Mr Abubakar added.
He also mentioned the release of 72 and 185 inmates in Ondo and Gombe states, facilitated by the service in collaboration with the chief judges.
“The move is part of efforts to change inmates’ psyche and behaviour to help in their smooth reintegration into society,” Mr Abubakar said.
