Juliet Jacob Ochenje
A civic organisation, Vanguard for Truth Foundation, has raised alarming concerns over the misappropriation of funds meant for Nigerian inmates, alleging that they are being fed only N200 daily instead of the N750 allocated to them by the government.
In a statement released on Thursday, the foundation highlighted the significant gap between the allocated amount and the actual provision for inmates, stating that the N750 daily feeding allowance, which is documented on paper, is not being implemented in reality.
This revelation follows the Nigeria Correctional Service’s announcement on December 7, 2023, that the federal government spends N800 daily on each of its dogs, while inmates receive only N750 for their meals.
Haliru Nababa, the Controller General of NCoS, further explained during his appearance before the National Assembly Committee to defend the 2024 budget that the allocated budget intended to feed each inmate is N750, at a rate of N250 per meal per inmate.
The Vanguard for Truth Foundation also expressed concerns about the widespread corruption within the Nigerian correctional service, emphasizing the urgent need for attention to ensure inmates receive the proper care and allocation of funds intended for their welfare. This situation underscores the gravity of the issue and the necessity for immediate action to address the welfare of Nigerian inmates.
