The Federal Government has revealed its plan to allocate a substantial sum of ₦22.44 billion for the purpose of feeding inmates across correctional centres throughout the country.
The disclosure was made by Shuaib Belgore, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, during a high-level conference focused on corrections and decongestion of custodial centres held on Thursday.
Belgore highlighted that the allocated fund has been included in the 2023 Appropriation Act, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing the critical needs of inmates within the correctional system.
Currently, the inmate population is distributed among 244 custodial centres nationwide.
One of the significant concerns is the fact that 70 per cent of the inmates in these centres are individuals awaiting trial. Belgore attributed this alarming statistic to arbitrary arrests, delays in dispensing justice, and the inability of many detainees to meet bail conditions.
The dire situation has contributed to overcrowding, with 82 of the custodial centres being severely packed beyond their intended capacity.
Providing further details, Belgore revealed that out of the total inmate population of 75,507, the majority consists of male inmates, numbering 73,821.
The remaining 1,686 inmates are female. Within this population, 52,436 individuals are still awaiting trial, while 23,071 have been convicted of crimes. Additionally, there are 3,322 inmates classified as condemned, awaiting execution on death row.
The allocation of ₦22.4 billion emphasizes the government’s recognition of the need to improve the conditions of inmates and ensure their access to proper nutrition. By addressing this fundamental aspect, authorities aim to promote the welfare and rehabilitation of individuals within the correctional system.
The high-level conference served as a platform for discussing strategies to tackle the challenges faced by custodial centres nationwide. It brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and experts in the field to explore solutions for reducing congestion and expediting the justice delivery process.
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