The Nigerian Federal Government’s proposed 2025 budget allocates a substantial N38,030,008,805 for inmate feeding across the nation’s custodial centers. This significant allocation underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the basic welfare of incarcerated individuals, recognizing the fundamental right to adequate nutrition regardless of legal status. The substantial sum allocated for feeding aims to address concerns about the quality and quantity of food provided to inmates, thereby promoting their health and well-being while in custody. This budgetary provision represents a significant investment in the human aspect of correctional services and reflects a broader effort towards humane treatment within the Nigerian prison system.
Beyond inmate welfare, the proposed budget earmarks N7.2 billion for upgrading correctional facilities nationwide. This allocation is a direct response to the recurring challenge of jailbreaks that have plagued the Nigerian prison system in recent years. These escapes not only pose a significant security risk to the public but also highlight vulnerabilities within the existing infrastructure. The allocated funds are intended for comprehensive upgrades, including reinforcing physical security measures, improving living conditions within the facilities, and addressing systemic weaknesses that contribute to escape attempts. This investment underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing security within correctional institutions, safeguarding both inmates and the surrounding communities.
The proposed budget also addresses other critical areas within the correctional system. N1,716,640,500 is allocated for uniforms and clothing for correctional officers, ensuring they are properly equipped for their duties. This provision recognizes the importance of professional attire in maintaining order and discipline within correctional facilities. An additional N1,062,097,494 is allocated for medical supplies, addressing the healthcare needs of the inmate population and promoting a healthy environment within the custodial centers. This allocation reflects a commitment to providing adequate medical care to inmates, recognizing their right to health and well-being.
To further strengthen security measures within correctional facilities, N1,231,334,077 has been allocated for the procurement of security equipment for correctional officers. This investment aims to equip officers with the necessary tools to effectively manage and control the inmate population, minimizing security breaches and ensuring the safety of both staff and inmates. Alongside security equipment, the budget allocates N2,280,609,699 for the purchase of vehicles, enhancing logistical capabilities and supporting security operations within and around correctional facilities. Improved transportation will facilitate efficient movement of personnel and resources, strengthening the overall security apparatus of the correctional system.
Long-term infrastructure development within the correctional system is also addressed in the proposed budget. N563,390,773 is allocated for the ongoing construction of a 3,000-capacity maximum-security prison in Abuja, the nation’s capital. This significant investment reflects a long-term strategy to modernize the prison system and address overcrowding, a persistent challenge in many Nigerian prisons. The construction of this new facility will contribute to alleviating congestion in existing prisons, improving living conditions for inmates, and enhancing the overall management of the correctional system.
Furthermore, the budget allocates N6,161,868 for the construction and equipping of clinics in six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare services for both inmates and correctional staff, promoting a healthy environment within the correctional system. By establishing dedicated clinics, the government seeks to ensure timely and accessible medical care for inmates, addressing their healthcare needs promptly and effectively. This investment in healthcare infrastructure underscores the commitment to the well-being of individuals within the correctional system and reflects a broader effort towards humane treatment within Nigerian prisons. The 2025 budget, presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu, awaits legislative review and approval. The detailed budgetary allocations demonstrate a focused approach to addressing key challenges within the Nigerian correctional system, including inmate welfare, infrastructure upgrades, security enhancements, and healthcare improvements.
