FG Panel Finds Widespread Malnutrition in Prisons, Recommends N3,000 Daily Feeding Allowance

An independent panel set up by the Federal Government has uncovered widespread inmate malnutrition, alleged abuses in feeding contracts, and practices that fuel prison overcrowding in the Nigerian Correctional Service.

The panel recommended an immediate increase in daily feeding allowance from N750 to N3,000 per inmate.

Its findings were contained in a final report submitted to Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on June 3, 2026, and obtained by our correspondent from the ministry’s website.

Inaugurated on September 30, 2024, the panel assessed 86 custodial facilities across 23 states and the FCT, held public hearings, and undertook a study mission to Türkiye.

Investigators reported severe deficiencies in inmate welfare, especially feeding. They found evidence of alleged misappropriation of funds meant for feeding, healthcare, and rehabilitation, including inflated contract figures and missing rehabilitation funds.

“Inadequate feeding budget and corruption in food supply have resulted in widespread malnutrition among inmates,” the report stated.

*Specific cases*  

In Imo State, the panel recorded instances where “nominal portions of raw protein (fish) were subdivided into fractional pieces for multiple inmates” at Owerri Correctional Centre.  

In Akwa Ibom, it cited malnutrition as “a significant concern due to poor food rations, with reports of inmate deaths.”

*Contract irregularities*  

The panel said many feeding contracts were awarded to companies located far from the custodial centres, creating room for subcontracting. It alleged involvement of past and serving correctional officers, politicians, and public officials in contract awards and sales.

Subcontractors often transferred feeding duties to centre officials at rates far below government allocations, the report said. With feeding at N750 per inmate daily, some subcontracted at N460. At the new N1,250 rate, some subcontracted at N600.

“Some contractors allegedly threatened officers who resisted such arrangements,” it added.

*Overcrowding incentives*  

The panel said correctional officers benefiting from food contracts had incentives to maintain high inmate populations and under-utilize non-custodial measures.

“It is the interest of correctional officers that benefit from the food contracts… to have a high number of inmates,” the report stated.

*Recommendations*  

The panel urged government to immediately raise feeding allocation to N3,000 per inmate daily, subject to periodic review. It also recommended mechanization of correctional farm centres, expansion of agriculture within facilities, and “removing incentives linking custodial centre population to profit margin from food ration awards.”

The panel expressed optimism that implementing the recommendations would improve inmate welfare, strengthen accountability, and support broader correctional reforms.