The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has refuted recent reports alleging that inmates in custodial centres across the country are suffering from poor nutrition and hunger-related deaths.
Addressing the issue during an interview with newsmen in Abuja today, the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, described the allegations as misleading, sensational, and grossly inaccurate.
He explained that the Federal Government makes dedicated budgetary provisions every year for the feeding of inmates, and that the funds were judiciously utilised under strict supervision and guidelines.
Umar stated that the NCoS operates under strict procedures that ensure the timely and adequate feeding of all inmates in custody.
He explained that each inmate was entitled to three meals daily — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — as stipulated in the operational guidelines of the Service.
“The allegation that inmates are dying of hunger is unfounded. There is no record in any of our custodial centres that inmates are being starved or dying because of inadequate feeding.
“It is completely false to insinuate that inmates are left to starve or that hunger is leading to deaths within our facilities.
“We want to assure the public that inmates are properly fed and their welfare remains a top priority for the Nigerian Correctional Service,” he said.
Umar emphasised that the NCoS had strengthened its internal monitoring mechanisms to ensure the proper use of resources meant for inmates’ welfare, including the feeding programme.
He pointed out that the NCoS had a zero-tolerance policy for negligence or mismanagement relating to the welfare of inmates.
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