The Nigerian Correctional Service says inmates in custodial centres nationwide are provided three square meals daily, thanks to President Bola Tinubu, as inflation continues to bite harder in Nigeria.

In an interview on Tuesday in Abuja, NCoS spokesman Abubakar Umar said the federal government made dedicated budgetary provisions every year for feeding inmates and that the funds were judiciously utilised under strict supervision and guidelines.

He explained that each inmate was entitled to three meals daily — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — as stipulated in the operational guidelines of the NCoS.

According to Mr Umar, all custodial centres are governed by operational procedures that ensure all inmates’ proper and timely feeding.

“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.

Mr Umar said entry into correctional centres was governed by strict protocols requiring written applications, approval from the officer-in-charge, and, in some cases, clearance from the controller-general.

“I wonder how a journalist could claim to have interviewed inmates inside a custodial facility. These are high-security zones where you can’t just walk in, let alone carry recording devices.

“Even cameras and mobile phones are prohibited because of the risk of concealed recording. So, for anyone to say they interviewed inmates inside a custodial centre is nothing but a fabrication,” he added.

Mr Umar pointed out that the NCoS had a zero-tolerance policy for negligence or mismanagement relating to the welfare of inmates.

While acknowledging that the NCoS, like many other public institutions, faces operational challenges, Mr Umar maintained that such challenges have not compromised the feeding arrangements for inmates.

Mr Umar added, “We are not oblivious to the economic realities and general constraints, but these have not in any way translated to starvation or hunger-related deaths in our facilities. We urge media organisations to always seek clarification from credible sources before going to press.

“Journalism is a noble profession that thrives on accuracy and responsibility. Publishing unverified and sensational stories can undermine public trust. We expect the media to seek clarification from appropriate authorities before rushing to publish such sensitive stories that can mislead the public.”

He said the Tinubu government had significantly improved funding for inmate welfare and custodial infrastructure.

He added that interior minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo had also shown deep commitment to reforming the correctional system.

“When this government came in, they looked into the issue of inmate feeding and increased the allocation by 50 per cent. That was the first step toward improving the welfare of those in our custody, and it is subject to further review.

“We have a minister who is passionate and working round the clock. A panel has been set up to further review inmate feeding, and I am confident that positive changes are on the horizon,” he said.

(NAN)