An independent investigative panel established by the Federal Government has uncovered widespread inmate malnutrition, alleged corruption in prison feeding contracts, and institutional practices contributing to overcrowding in correctional facilities across Nigeria.
In its final report submitted to Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on June 3, 2026, the panel recommended an immediate increase in the daily feeding allowance for inmates from N750 to N3,000.
The report, obtained through the Ministry of Interior’s website, followed a nationwide investigation launched in September 2024 to examine allegations of corruption and human rights abuses within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
As part of its work, the panel inspected 86 custodial centres across 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory, conducted public hearings, and carried out a study mission to the Türkiye.
Investigators reported serious deficiencies in inmate welfare, particularly in feeding arrangements, citing allegations of diverted funds, inflated contracts, and missing rehabilitation programme resources.
According to the report, inadequate feeding budgets and corruption in food supply chains have contributed to widespread malnutrition in correctional facilities.
The panel highlighted troubling findings from several states. At the Owerri Correctional Centre in Imo State, investigators observed cases where small portions of fish were divided among multiple inmates. In Akwa Ibom State, poor food rations were linked to severe malnutrition, with reports of inmate deaths.
The investigation also uncovered alleged irregularities in the award and execution of feeding contracts. Many contracts, the report noted, were awarded to companies located far from the facilities they served, creating opportunities for subcontracting arrangements.
The panel alleged that some feeding contracts were linked to politically exposed individuals as well as serving and retired correctional officers. Investigators were informed that subcontractors often transferred feeding responsibilities to custodial centre officials at rates far below government-approved allocations, reducing the funds available for inmates’ meals.
For example, when the approved feeding rate was N750 per inmate daily, some subcontractors reportedly handed over feeding responsibilities at N460 per inmate. Even after the allocation increased to N1,250, some centres allegedly received only N600 per inmate from subcontractors.
The report further claimed that financial incentives tied to food supply contracts encouraged some officials to maintain high inmate populations and underutilise non-custodial sentencing options.
According to the panel, these incentives may discourage sustainable agricultural programmes within correctional facilities that could help reduce feeding costs and improve food security for inmates.
To address the problems, the panel recommended increasing the daily feeding allocation to N3,000 per inmate and introducing regular reviews to reflect economic realities.
It also called for the mechanisation of correctional farm centres, expansion of agricultural production within custodial facilities, and reforms aimed at reducing reliance on external food suppliers.
The panel expressed confidence that implementing its recommendations would improve inmate welfare, strengthen accountability in procurement processes, and support broader reforms within Nigeria’s correctional system.
