Prison probe exposes feeding fraud, inmate malnutrition

An independent investigative panel established by the Federal Government to examine allegations of corruption and human rights abuses within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has uncovered widespread inmate malnutrition, irregularities in feeding contracts and systemic practices contributing to prison overcrowding.

The panel recommended an immediate increase in the daily feeding allowance for inmates from N750 to N3,000 to address worsening nutritional conditions in custodial centres nationwide.

The recommendation is contained in the panel’s final report submitted to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on June 3, 2026.

The panel, inaugurated on September 30, 2024, was tasked with investigating allegations of corruption and rights violations within the correctional system and proposing reforms. During its assignment, it inspected 86 custodial facilities across 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory, conducted public hearings and undertook a study visit to Türkiye.

According to the report, investigators found evidence of severe welfare challenges among inmates, particularly regarding feeding arrangements. The panel cited allegations of diversion and mismanagement of funds allocated for inmate feeding, healthcare and rehabilitation programmes.

It noted that inadequate feeding budgets and corruption in food supply chains had led to widespread malnutrition in correctional facilities.

The report highlighted troubling findings from several states. In Owerri Correctional Centre, Imo State, investigators observed what they described as critically deficient feeding provisions, with small portions of fish reportedly divided among several inmates. In Akwa Ibom State, the panel said poor food rations had contributed to serious malnutrition and reports of inmate deaths.

The investigation also uncovered alleged irregularities in the award and execution of inmate feeding contracts. According to the panel, many contracts were awarded to companies located far from the correctional centres they were expected to serve, creating opportunities for subcontracting arrangements.

The report alleged that some serving and retired correctional officers, politicians and other influential public officials were involved in the contract process through proxy companies and associates.

Investigators were informed that some contractors subcontracted feeding responsibilities to custodial centre officials at rates significantly lower than government-approved allocations. The panel cited instances where feeding contracts valued at N750 per inmate per day were allegedly transferred at N460, while the revised N1,250 rate was reportedly subcontracted at N600.

The panel further alleged that some contractors used their influence to threaten or seek the removal of officers who resisted such arrangements.

Beyond the feeding contract system, the report identified institutional incentives that allegedly encourage high inmate populations and discourage the use of non-custodial sentencing options. It argued that officials benefiting from food supply contracts and related procurements had little incentive to reduce overcrowding or expand self-sustaining agricultural programmes within correctional facilities.

To address the challenges, the panel recommended raising the inmate feeding allowance to N3,000 daily, describing the adjustment as necessary in view of prevailing economic realities.

It also called for the mechanisation of correctional farm centres, expansion of agricultural production within custodial facilities and reforms aimed at reducing reliance on external food vendors.

According to the panel, implementing the recommendations would improve inmate welfare, strengthen accountability in procurement processes and support broader reforms within Nigeria’s correctional system.