The Nigeria Correctional Service is investigating allegations of poor feeding at the Calabar custodial centre in Cross River State.

This investigation comes after a viral video showed inmates being served poorly cooked beans as breakfast.

The video raised concerns about the welfare of inmates at the Afokang Custodial Centre.

The Service Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja that the allegations do not reflect the NCoS’s commitment to the welfare of inmates.

“The allegation is being looked into as directed by the Minister of Interior, and until then, we cannot confirm or deny that the trending video is from one of our custodial centres,” he said.

Umar highlighted the NCoS’s dedication to reforming, rehabilitating, and caring for inmates. He said the agency focuses on correcting those in conflict with the law through behaviour modification and skill acquisition programs.

“The name change connotes a philosophy of correction to train the mind of those in our custody on behaviour modification.

The new global standard goes beyond just addressing the viral video allegedly showcasing subpar food in our custodial centres,” he said. He added that the NCoS aims to uphold the dignity of inmates by ensuring they receive adequate medical attention and holistic care.

He stressed the commitment of the current administration to improving the internal security of all citizens and reforming the correctional system. “The allegation is a serious one that the Federal Government has frowned at, but until the committee set up to actually investigate such allegations, the service cannot speak much on it now,” Umar noted.

Umar mentioned that the NCoS inherited a colonial-era system and is actively working to modernise it.

“We make bold to say that for several years now, we have never had internal insurrection within our system. That is to say, whoever must have made that statement is incorrect. This is because, first, for you to be able to reform someone, you must gain his or her trust and have a serene environment to care for such a person. You must be able to feed the person not to the way he or she actually wants but to a reasonable level of care to be given to such person,” he explained. He also urged the public to commend the NCoS for the careful use of financial resources.

Addressing the feeding allowance for inmates, Umar said it undergoes constant review and revision.

“As part of our commitment to the welfare of all individuals, including those in conflict with the law, the current government has taken the first step in increasing the feeding allowance for inmates. This initial increase will be followed by a thorough assessment of the inmates’ dietary requirements, with further adjustments to the feeding allowance made as necessary to guarantee their health and well-being,” he stated.

He added, “It is not a hidden fact that the amount used to feed our inmates is inadequate, but recently, the Government has actually reviewed the amount for feeding inmates with 50 per cent.”

Umar emphasised that the NCoS has broadened its reformation and rehabilitation initiatives within custodial centres, offering skills acquisition programs, including agricultural training.

“We also offer farming initiatives, recognising that acquiring agricultural skills will greatly benefit inmates upon their release, enhancing their reintegration into society and empowering them to become self-sufficient individuals,” he said.

Umar also praised the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his role in driving reforms, stating,

“That is why, upon his assumption in office, he pushed for the upgrade, renovation, and even construction of new custodial centres. It is not a hidden fact today that, if you go to Kuje custodial centre, it is a prototype of what will be a replica in other state custodial centres in the federation. This is to show that the government means business on the issue of internal security vis-a-vis the issue of reforming those who are in our custody.”