Food contractors for Nigerian correctional centres lament over ₦30bn debt and non-implementation of approved inmate feeding rate

Food suppliers contracted by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) have raised alarm over the Federal Government’s failure to settle outstanding debts exceeding ₦30 billion, warning that the situation could soon disrupt meal supply to inmates nationwide.

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The aggrieved contractors, who provide meals to inmates across the country, said they had not been paid for several months, including a ₦7.7 billion backlog from late 2023, and lamented the government’s refusal to implement the revised feeding rate approved since August 2024.

According to them, despite the government’s approval of an increase in the daily feeding allowance for inmates from ₦750 to ₦1,125, payments have continued at the old rate — creating a shortfall of about ₦23 billion.

“We have not been paid for months, yet we are expected to feed thousands of inmates daily,” said one contractor who supplies multiple correctional centres.

“Banks are threatening to seize properties we used as collateral. Some of our colleagues have lost everything.”

Another supplier described the situation as “dire and unsustainable,” noting that many contractors had resorted to taking high-interest loans to sustain operations.

“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?” he lamented.

The feeding rate review, approved by the Presidency in August 2024, was designed to cushion the impact of rising food prices and the removal of fuel subsidy. However, more than a year later, the adjustment has not been implemented.

Findings show that the total debt — combining the unpaid backlog and the unimplemented rate difference — now stands at approximately ₦30.7 billion.

Efforts to get a response from the NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, were unsuccessful as calls and messages to his phone went unanswered.

However, a senior NCoS officer confirmed the situation, attributing the delay to funding issues at the Ministry of Finance.

“Yes, it is true. The contractors have met with the Controller-General, but the problem seems beyond him.

The Ministry of Finance hasn’t released the money. Feeding is central to the stability of any correctional facility if contractors pull out, it could trigger unrest among inmates,” the officer said.

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Observers warn that if the government fails to resolve the debt crisis soon, the quality and quantity of food served to inmates could deteriorate, posing significant security risks in correctional centres across the country.