The Federal Government has disclosed that Nigeria will spend N22.4 billion feeding inmates in correctional centres nationwide
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore, who said this on Thursday noted that at least 80% of the inmates are awaiting trial.
Speaking at a two-day High Conference on Decongestion and Corrections Management in Abuja, Belgore stated that the fund is budgeted for in the 2023 Appropriation Act.
He said that there has been a steady increase in the population of the custodial centres.
He said, “there are 244 custodial centres nationwide, with a 75,507-inmate population, thereby leading to 82 of them being overcrowded.
“The total number of male inmates is 73,821 and female 1,686 female inmates,” he noted.
Out of the 75,507 inmates, 52,436 are awaiting trial while 23,071 are convicted persons, with 3,322 as condemned inmates on death row.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
