The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has spent over N3.3 billion on feeding awaiting trial inmates over the course of two months, according to Sunday PUNCH.
As of early January 2025, there were 48,932 awaiting trial inmates, with the number rising to 53,254 by the end of February, according to data on the NCoS website.
This increase in inmate numbers, along with the feeding allowance per inmate being raised by President Bola Tinubu from N750 to N1,125 per day, has significantly impacted the NCoS budget.
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Based on an average of 50,000 awaiting trial inmates being fed for 60 days at the new rate, the total expenditure on feeding amounts to over N3.3 billion.
Recently, the acting Controller-General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, pledged to address the backlog of awaiting trial cases.
Nwakuche also revealed plans to engage with critical stakeholders, including state chief judges, attorneys-general, and the Inspector-General of Police, to expedite the trial process.
The acting CG further highlighted the need for collaboration with state executives and judicial authorities to promote non-custodial measures, such as parole and community service, to reduce the growing number of inmates.
