The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has disclosed that it spent more than N14 billion feeding inmates awaiting trial between January and August 2025.

Official records show that the population of individuals held without trial has steadily increased over the past eight months. In January, there were 48,932 awaiting trial inmates. The number rose to 52,771 in February, 53,254 in March, and 52,937 in April. By June, it climbed to 53,178, and further to 53,473 in July. As of August 25, the figure stood at 53,114.

On average, the NCoS managed about 52,665 awaiting trial inmates per month during the period under review.

Earlier this year, the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu increased the daily feeding allowance for each inmate from N750 to N1,125. Based on that adjustment, the NCoS spent an estimated N59.2 million daily on feeding awaiting trial inmates over 237 days—amounting to roughly N14.04 billion.

NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar explained that under the leadership of the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, the service remains committed to fulfilling its constitutional responsibility of providing meals in all custodial centres nationwide.

He said the service has sustained operations despite inflationary pressures by partnering with government agencies and food contractors to ensure timely and responsible food supply.

“Feeding inmates is not just about sustenance; it reflects our broader commitment to humane corrections. Prioritising inmate welfare lays the foundation for rehabilitation and reintegration, aligning with our vision of a fair and just correctional system,” Abubakar said.

He added that the NCoS remains open to collaborations with civil society organisations and oversight bodies to safeguard standards and ensure inmates’ rights to adequate food and nutrition are fully protected.