The Nigerian Correctional Services NCO once again denied that inmates at its detention centers were malnourished and under-feeded.
In a statement issued on Sunday, May 4, the service’s spokesman Abubakar Umar described the claims as false, misleading and serious misrepresentation of reality in our facilities.
“In response to the same allegations from TVC News on September 1, 2024, I stressed that the service operates under strict guidelines set out in the Nigeria Correctional Services Act 2019, which provides for the provision of appropriate nutrition, health care and adequate nutrition, health care and general benefits for all employees.
Inmates are provided with meals that meet nutritional requirements recommended by health professionals and are regularly monitored by the rationing committee established by the Director of Corrections. Our menu plans are standardized and reviewed to align with evolving health standards and budgetary provisions.
Similarly, in response to the current economic reality and the increase in inflation, the federal government of Nigeria recently approved the daily feeding allowance for prisoners in custody centres to increase from the previous tax rate to 1,125 per day per day. This adjustment is designed to ensure that prisoners receive adequate nutritional meals at acceptable welfare standards. ”
According to him, this increase reflects the government’s commitment to humanitarian treatment of detainees and the wider reforms being implemented in Nigeria’s correctional services to safeguard dignity, human rights and international best practices.
Umar explained that prisoner feeding was not carried out in confidentiality and included several independent oversight agencies, including the Ministry of the Interior, civil society groups and international partners, regularly assessing the status of our detention centers.
“None of their recent reports support the dehumanized descriptions of prisoners’ welfare by some people or interest groups.
He assured that the service remains committed to upholding the rights and dignity of all prisoners, which is consistent with international best practices.
