FG budgets N14.83 billion to feed prisoners in 2026

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has proposed N14.83 billion in its 2026 budget to feed about 91,100 inmates nationwide, reflecting growing strain from the high number of awaiting trial prisoners.

Controller-General Sylvester Nwakuche told the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions in Abuja that the allocation, based on N1,125 per inmate daily, is part of a broader N50.4 billion recurrent overhead plan. He noted that awaiting trial inmates now constitute 64% of the prison population, with 51,955 awaiting trial, 24,913 convicted, and 3,850 in other detention categories as of February 9, 2026.

Nwakuche emphasized the Service’s duty to provide adequate nutrition in line with UN standards, describing feeding as resource-intensive but vital. Reviewing 2025, he said N27.28 billion—71.7% of released overhead funds—was spent on inmate meals, leaving N10.75 billion in outstanding food liabilities.

Personnel costs for 2025 totaled N124.31 billion, with 90.6% fully released and used for salaries, pensions, and health contributions via IPPIS. 

Operational expenses hit N6.49 billion, covering staff training, vehicle fuel, electricity, security, and facility maintenance. Capital projects lagged, with only N3.22 billion of N14.5 billion appropriated released, leaving N11.27 billion unreleased nationwide.