Contractors responsible for supplying food to inmates in correctional centres across Nigeria have accused the Federal Government of owing them more than N30 billion in unpaid bills.
According to the PUNCH, several contractors claimed the debt includes a backlog of about N7.7 billion from late 2023 and another N23 billion shortfall caused by the government’s failure to implement a new feeding rate approved since August 2024.
In August 2024, the Presidency had approved an increase in the daily feeding allowance for inmates from N750 to N1,125, following the rise in food prices and the impact of fuel subsidy removal. But more than a year later, the new rate is yet to be implemented, leaving suppliers to run their contracts on the old rate.
One contractor who supplies meals to several correctional centres said the delay had put many of them in serious financial trouble.
“We have not been paid for months, yet we are expected to feed thousands of inmates every day. Banks are threatening to seize the properties we used as collateral. Some of our colleagues have lost everything,” he said.
Another contractor said they had been forced to borrow from banks at high-interest rates just to keep up with their obligations.
“We are feeding inmates at our own cost. We keep hearing promises that the reviewed rate will be implemented, but nothing has changed. How long can we continue like this?” the contractor asked.
Findings showed that the outstanding payment for the last quarter of 2023 stands at N7.7 billion, while the unimplemented review adds an estimated N23 billion, bringing the total debt to about N30.7 billion.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Umar Abubakar, were not successful as he did not answer calls or respond to messages.
However, a senior officer of the Service confirmed that the issue had become a major concern.
“Yes, it is true. The contractors have also met with the Controller-General over this matter, but the issue seems to be beyond him,” the officer said. “The problem is that the Ministry of Finance has not released the funds, and only what is released can be paid to contractors.”
He warned that the unpaid debts could affect the quality and quantity of food served to inmates, adding that the situation could lead to unrest.
“Feeding is central to the stability of any correctional facility. If contractors pull out or fail to deliver because of unpaid debts, it could cause unrest among inmates. The security implications are enormous,” he added.
