FG Proposes N14.83 Billion to Feed Inmates in 2026 as Awaiting Trial Numbers Surge

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has proposed N14.83 billion in its 2026 budget to feed approximately 91,100 inmates across the country, highlighting the increasing burden posed by a large population of awaiting trial prisoners.

Controller-General Sylvester Nwakuche presented the proposal to the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions in Abuja, explaining that the allocation is based on a daily feeding rate of N1,125 per inmate. It forms part of a wider N50.4 billion recurrent overhead request.

As of February 9, 2026, awaiting trial inmates accounted for 64% of the total prison population, with 51,955 individuals yet to be tried. Meanwhile, 24,913 inmates were convicted, and 3,850 fell under other detention categories.

Nwakuche stressed that providing adequate nutrition is a statutory obligation aligned with United Nations standards. He described inmate feeding as a costly but essential aspect of the Service’s operations.

Reviewing 2025 performance, he revealed that N27.28 billion representing 71.7% of released overhead funds was expended on inmate meals. This left the NCoS with N10.75 billion in unpaid feeding obligations.

Personnel expenses for the year stood at N124.31 billion, with 90.6% of allocated funds released and fully utilised for salaries, pensions, and health insurance through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

Operational spending amounted to N6.49 billion, covering staff training, vehicle fuel, electricity, security services, and facility maintenance.

Capital development, however, suffered a significant shortfall. Out of N14.5 billion appropriated for capital projects, only N3.22 billion was released, leaving N11.27 billion unremitted across the country.