By Victoria Onehi
The Nigerian Correctional Service has refuted a media report that Nigerian inmates are fed with N200 daily instead of N750 approved by the Federal Government.
A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), AD Abubakar Danlami Umar disclosed that the report is false, misleading, and mischievous in all ramifications.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the public may wish to note that feeding allowance for inmates in Nigeria is in the public domain, and vendors are paid the approved amount upon completion of supply.
“Contract for ration supply is usually made public, and the conditions clearly stated for interested vendors to apply in line with the public procurement act 2007.
“Furthermore, every custodial centre has a ration committee that exercises supervisory role over quality assurance of supply, preparation, and distribution to inmates to ensure that they are fed within the approved budget.”Umar said.
The PRO noted that authorities have, over the years, demonstrated commitment towards improving inmates’ welfare in terms of feeding as well as empowerment through effective reformation and rehabilitation programmes.
“While the Service is making efforts to appeal to the Federal Government for upward review of feeding allowance to reflect the present economic realities, it will be unfair and unpatriotic for people to fabricate stories just to denigrate the Service.
“The public is advised to discountenance the false report and be assured of the irrevocable commitment of the Controller-General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa FICMC MFR, to work for the general good of persons in custody even as genuine support of well-meaning Nigerians will continue to be appreciated.” Umar noted.
