Reports that detainees were starving to death and receiving inadequate food in correctional facilities throughout the nation have been denied by the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Abubakar Umar, the Service Public Relations Officer, responded to the allegations in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja, calling them “misleading, sensational, and grossly inaccurate.”
Umar emphasized that the utterly false statements do not accurately depict the state of affairs in the nation’s correctional facilities.
He clarified that the Federal Government allocates specific sums each year for the purpose of feeding prisoners, and that the money was used wisely while being closely monitored and controlled.
He clarified that according to the Service’s operational requirements, each prisoner was entitled to three meals each day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
All custodial facilities are subject to operational protocols that guarantee all prisoners are fed appropriately and on schedule, according to Umar.
“The Federal Government allocates funds specifically for the feeding of inmates, and the process is strictly monitored to ensure compliance with established standards.
“The allegation that inmates are dying of hunger is unfounded. No evidence exists in any of our correctional facilities that prisoners are starving to death or suffering from malnutrition.
“Any suggestion that prisoners are starved or that hunger is causing deaths in our prisons is wholly untrue.
He stated, “We want to reassure the public that prisoners are fed appropriately and that the Nigerian Correctional Service con
Given the stringent security protocols and limited access to penal facilities, the service spokesperson pointed out that the report was not only immoral but also illogical.
According to Umar, admission to correctional facilities is subject to stringent procedures that call for written applications, the officer-in-charge’s permission, and occasionally the controller general’s approval.
How could a journalist claim to have spoken with prisoners inside a correctional facility? You cannot simply enter these high-security areas, much less bring recording equipment with you.
Due to the possibility of covert recording, even cameras and cell phones are forbidden. Therefore, it is completely false for anyone to claim to have conducted interviews with prisoners within a correctional facility,” he continued.
tinues to place a high priority on their welfare.”
Umar emphasised that the NCoS had strengthened its internal monitoring mechanisms to ensure the proper use of resources meant for inmates’ welfare, including the feeding programme.
He said that the officers in charge of custodial centres were held accountable, and there was a supervisory system at the national and state levels to ensure that the approved standards were maintained.
He pointed out that the NCoS had a zero-tolerance policy for negligence or mismanagement relating to the welfare of inmates.
“We maintain a robust accountability system. Any officer found wanting in the discharge of their duties faces appropriate disciplinary measures i
Umar emphasised that the NCoS had strengthened its internal monitoring mechanisms to ensure the proper use of resources meant for inmates’ welfare, including the feeding programme.
He said that the officers in charge of custodial centres were held accountable, and there was a supervisory system at the national and state levels to ensure that the approved standards were maintained.
He pointed out that the NCoS had a zero-tolerance policy for negligence or mismanagement relating to the welfare of inmates.
“We maintain a robust accountability system. Any officer found wanting in the discharge of their duties faces appropriate disciplinary measures in line with the law, “he added.
n line with the law, “he added.
According to him, the current administration of President Bola Tinubu has significantly improved funding for inmate welfare and custodial infrastructure.
He added that the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had also shown deep commitment to reforming the correctional system.
“When this government came in, they looked into the issue of inmate feeding and increased the allocation by 50 percent. That was the first step toward improving the welfare of those in our custody, and it is subject to further review.
“We have a minister who is passionate and working round the clock. A panel has been set up to further review inmate feeding, and I am confident that positive changes are on the horizon,” he said.
Umar reiterated that the NCoS remained committed to the welfare, reformation, and rehabilitation of inmates in line with international best practices.
He stressed that the NCoS remained open to scrutiny and collaboration with stakeholders, including the media, civil society organisations, and international partners.
He urged members of the public, CSOs and the media to visit custodial centres and independently verify the conditions under which inmates were kept.
Umar advised the public to disregard the false reports, assuring Nigerians that the NCoS remained steadfast in its duty to uphold the rights and welfare of inmates.
“Our facilities are open to oversight visits by relevant stakeholders. We operate transparently and welcome constructive engagement aimed at improving our operations.
“We pledge to treat everyone in our care with compassion and dignity. Our mandate extends beyond merely locking people up. It entails rehabilitating and reforming prisoners so they can rejoin society as better people.
He went on to say, “We ask the public to keep supporting our efforts to create a correctional system of which the country can be proud.”
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