Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced that the federal government has increased the daily feeding allowance for inmates in correctional facilities by 50 percent.
In 2023, Haliru Nababa, the Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), revealed that more was spent daily on feeding a security dog than an inmate, with each inmate receiving N750 per day—N250 per meal—while feeding a security dog cost N800 daily. The revelation sparked public outrage at the time.
Speaking at a media parley in Abuja on Tuesday, Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the increment reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving inmate welfare and ensuring better utilization of allocated funds.
The minister also disclosed that between July and December 2024, the NCoS trained and rehabilitated at least 3,030 inmates across 256 custodial centers, equipping them with skills in carpentry, tailoring, poultry farming, hairdressing, and fishery, among others. Additionally, 50 inmates are currently enrolled in various academic programs at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
“Correctional centers are now places of hope and transformation. Being in a correctional facility does not mean the end of one’s life; inmates can learn, gain certificates, or acquire hands-on skills,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He highlighted the case of an inmate who authored five books while in custody, underscoring the shift from mere incarceration under the former Nigerian Prison Service (NPS) to rehabilitation and reformation under the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
“The difference between a prison and a correctional center is transformation. A correctional facility is a place where individuals are trained and rehabilitated to become productive members of society. Without rehabilitation, reintegration is impossible,” he added.
Tunji-Ojo also mentioned that the e-library at Kuje Custodial Centre is fully operational, providing inmates access to educational resources.
“This government is committed to ensuring that those who enter correctional facilities leave better equipped to contribute positively to society,” he concluded.
