An independent investigative panel set up by the Federal Government to probe allegations of corruption and human rights violations against the Nigerian Correctional Service has uncovered widespread inmate malnutrition, alleged abuses in the administration of feeding contracts, and institutional practices contributing to prison overcrowding.
The panel recommended an immediate increase in the daily feeding allowance for inmates from N750 to N3,000.
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 obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday through the Ministry of Interior’s website. The panel, inaugurated on September 30, 2024, was mandated to investigate allegations of corruption and rights abuses against the correctional system and recommend measures for reform.
As part of its assignment, the panel conducted assessments of 86 custodial facilities across 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory, held public hearings, and undertook a study mission to the Republic of Türkiye.
Field visits were carried out between late 2024 and mid-2025 in Abia, Anambra, Adamawa, Edo, Kano, Lagos, Plateau, FCT, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Delta, Rivers, Sokoto, Borno, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Oyo, Kwara, Ondo, and Ogun states.
According to the report, investigators found evidence of severe deficiencies in inmate welfare, particularly in feeding arrangements.
“These include allegations of misappropriation or diversion of funds allocated for inmate feeding, healthcare, and rehabilitation. Examples include inflated figures for feeding contracts or missing rehabilitation programme funds,” the report stated.
The panel said inadequate feeding budgets and corruption in food supply arrangements had contributed to widespread malnutrition in custodial centres.
“Inadequate feeding budget and corruption in food supply have resulted in widespread malnutrition among inmates,” it noted. Citing specific cases, the report said conditions were particularly alarming in some facilities.
“Specific Finding (Imo State): Feeding provisions are critically deficient; the panel recorded instances where nominal portions of raw protein (fish) were subdivided into fractional pieces for multiple inmates in Owerri Correctional Centre.
“Specific Finding (Akwa Ibom State): Malnutrition is a significant concern due to poor food rations, with reports of inmate deaths.”