THISDAY

NCOS: Inmates in Nigeria Fed Daily with N750, Not N200

- Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Nigerian Correction­al Service, has said the inmates in Nigeria were daily fed with the sum of N750 daily and not N200 as being rumoured.

This disclosure was contained in a statement on by the Assistant Controller of Correction­s (Public Relations Officer), Abubakar Umar.

The statement read: “A misleading report circulated in a section of the media purporting that Nigerian inmates are fed with N200 daily instead of N750 approved by the federal government has come to the attention of the Nigerian Correction­al Service.

“This report is false, misleading, and mischievou­s in all ramificati­ons. For the avoidance of doubt, the public may wish to note that feeding allowance for inmates in Nigeria is in the public domain, and vendors are paid the approved amount upon completion of supply.

“Contract for ration supply is usually made public, and the conditions clearly stated for interested vendors to apply in line with the public procuremen­t act 2007.”

Umar added in the statement that: “Furthermor­e, every custodial centre has a ration committee that exercises supervisor­y role over quality assurance of supply, preparatio­n, and distributi­on to inmates to ensure that they are fed within the approved budget.

“The authoritie­s have over the years, demonstrat­ed commitment towards improving inmates' welfare in terms of feeding as well as empowermen­t through effective reformatio­n and rehabilita­tion programmes.”

He said while the Service was making efforts to appeal to the federal government for upward review of feeding allowance to reflect the present economic realities, it would however “be unfair and unpatrioti­c for anyone to fabricate stories just to denigrate the Service.

“The public is advised to discounten­ance the false report and be assured of the irrevocabl­e commitment of the Controller­General of Correction­s, Haliru Nababa, FICMC MFR, to work for the general good of persons in custody even as genuine support of well-meaning Nigerians will continue to be appreciate­d.”

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