In an effort to enhance the wellbeing of those detained, the Federal Government raised the daily meal allowance for prisoners from N750 to N1,125.
Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, the Acting Controller-General of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), acknowledged the promotion during his first meeting with senior officers from the rank of controllers of prisons, but he emphasized the necessity for other advancements.
“You will agree with me that inmates’ feeding rate has been graciously increased by Mr. President from N750 to N1,125 per inmate per day. While it is not yet ‘Uhuru,’ I will continue to press for improved rate,” he added.
Nwakuche disclosed that monitoring teams from NPS national headquarters had been sent to supervise the food of detainees in order to guarantee correct implementation.
He called the endeavor a national duty and urged senior authorities to assist the teams.
Nwakuche emphasized that the Service was dedicated to putting the wellbeing of the inmates first and that it was there to serve them.
“Our efforts in reforming and rehabilitating inmates will also involve expanding classrooms, upscaling vocational skills centres, and fostering public-private partnerships to guarantee sustainability.
He also stated that extra care would be given to vulnerable groups, including as convicts with physical disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and infants.
“Let me also reiterate here that the management of vulnerable persons in prisons, persons such as pregnant women, babies, nursing mothers, physically challenged etc, will be favourably taken care of,” he said.
Nwakuche revealed measures to address the issue of prison overcrowding, revealing that as of January 6, 2025, 48,932 prisoners were awaiting trial.
Additionally, he urged officers to work with state chief judges, attorneys general, and police commissioners to resolve the backlog of cases.
He said, “At present, our statistics as of Monday, January 6, 2025, showed that 48,932 inmates in custody are awaiting trial persons, ATPs.
“I intend to interface with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Inspector General of Police, and other prosecuting agencies and critical stakeholders to fast track the trial of these inmates, especially those on non-bailable offences, such as armed robbery, murder and others that constitute over 60% of awaiting trial persons ATPs.
“Meanwhile, I want to urge you to relate with your state chief judges, attorneys-general, commissioners of police to further address the challenges,” he said.
Nwakuche also emphasized how early release procedures and non-custodial methods could help lower the prison population.
“I implore you to reach out to the state chief judges, attorneys-general of your states, and other stakeholders to cash in on this; some of them need to be educated on this,” he urged.
In response to security concerns, Nwakuche emphasized the significance of avoiding escapes, riots, and attacks while issuing a severe warning to staff regarding prison security.
“The consequences of such grievous offences are severe and should be avoided at all costs. You have been warned. Take this message to staff under you,” he stated.
He gave officials instructions to guarantee frequent weekly searches and to start conducting quarterly inspections of prison facilities right away.
He also emphasized the necessity of reporting situations that need immediate care, such as weak structures.