Nigerian Correctional Service Denies Reports of Hunger, Poor Feeding in Prisons

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed recent media reports suggesting that inmates across the country are being poorly fed or dying of hunger, calling the claims “misleading, sensational, and grossly inaccurate.”

In a statement released in Abuja on Monday, April 14, the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Abubakar Umar, clarified that such allegations do not reflect the current realities within Nigeria's correctional facilities.

Umar emphasized that the Federal Government makes annual budgetary allocations specifically for inmate feeding, with strict operational guidelines in place to ensure the funds are properly utilized. According to him, every inmate is entitled to three meals daily—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—based on the Service’s established standards.

“All custodial centres operate under clear procedures to ensure timely and adequate feeding of inmates,” Umar stated. “The allegation that inmates are dying of hunger is entirely unfounded. No such cases have been recorded in any of our centres.”

He further assured the public that inmate welfare remains a top priority for the NCoS, and any deviation from operational standards is swiftly addressed. The Service has also put internal monitoring systems in place to ensure accountability, particularly in the use of resources allocated for inmate care.

Umar questioned the credibility of media reports that claimed direct interviews with inmates inside correctional centres, noting that access to such facilities is highly restricted.

“These are secure facilities with strict entry regulations. Claims of unsanctioned interviews inside these centres are fabrications,” he said.

To bolster transparency, he explained that officers in charge of facilities are held accountable through both state and national oversight mechanisms, and any found guilty of negligence or mismanagement face disciplinary action.

While acknowledging that public institutions across Nigeria face certain operational challenges, Umar stressed that these have not compromised the feeding or general welfare of inmates. He cautioned against the spread of unverified information, warning that such reports could create unnecessary public anxiety and tarnish the image of the Service.

“We urge media houses to verify their information with credible sources before publication. Sensational reporting undermines public trust and the critical work being done to reform the correctional system,” he added.

Umar also highlighted significant progress made under the current administration. According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s government recently increased the inmate feeding budget by 50 percent, signaling a renewed commitment to reform. He credited the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, with driving this reform agenda and setting up a panel to further review feeding standards and inmate welfare.

He reiterated the NCoS’s mission to go beyond confinement and focus on reformation and rehabilitation, in line with international best practices.

“Our custodial centres are open to oversight. We welcome civil society, media, and international partners to visit and see the work being done firsthand,” he said.

Umar concluded by reaffirming the Service’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all inmates.

“We are not just confining individuals—we are working to transform lives. We call on the public to support our efforts in building a humane and effective correctional system for the nation.”