A Federal Government investigative panel has uncovered widespread inmate malnutrition, alleged corruption in feeding contracts and severe overcrowding in Nigerian correctional facilities, recommending a fourfold increase in inmates’ daily feeding allowance.
Nigeria’s correctional system is facing fresh scrutiny after an independent Federal Government panel uncovered troubling conditions across prisons, including inmate malnutrition, alleged corruption in feeding contracts and chronic overcrowding.
According to The PUNCH, the panel recommended an immediate increase in the daily feeding allowance for inmates from N750 to N3,000, describing current provisions as inadequate for basic nutrition and welfare.
The findings were contained in the panel’s final report submitted to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on June 3, 2026. The report was later made available on the Ministry of Interior’s website.
The investigative panel was inaugurated on September 30, 2024, to probe allegations of corruption and human rights violations within the Nigerian Correctional Service and propose reforms aimed at improving conditions.
Its findings paint a troubling picture of life behind bars.
Among the major concerns identified were widespread inmate malnutrition, alleged irregularities in the management of feeding contracts and institutional practices that continue to fuel prison overcrowding across the country.
To carry out its assignment, the panel visited 86 custodial facilities spread across 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory. It also organised public hearings and conducted a study mission to the Republic of Türkiye to examine correctional best practices.
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