Contractors responsible for supplying food to inmates across Nigeria’s correctional centres have raised alarm over unpaid debts allegedly owed by the Federal Government, amounting to over ₦30 billion.
According to multiple contractors who spoke to DAILY GAZETTE under anonymity for fear of victimisation, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) owes them several months of arrears, including a ₦7.7 billion backlog from late 2023, as well as an unimplemented feeding rate approved more than a year ago.
The suppliers complained that despite the government’s approval in August 2024 to increase the daily feeding allowance for inmates from ₦750 to ₦1,125, payments have continued at the old rate — creating an additional ₦23 billion shortfall.
“We have not been paid for months, yet we are expected to feed thousands of inmates every day,” said one contractor who supplies several correctional facilities.
“Banks are threatening to seize properties we used as collateral. Some of our colleagues have lost everything.”
Another contractor described the situation as “unsustainable,” explaining that many suppliers had resorted to high-interest bank loans to keep up with deliveries.
“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 asked.
In August 2024, the Presidency approved an upward review of the daily feeding rate for inmates, from ₦750 to ₦1,125, to cushion the effects of rising food prices and the removal of fuel subsidy.
The new rate was expected to take effect from August 1, 2024, improving meal quality and easing the financial burden on contractors.
However, over a year later, the revised rate remains unimplemented.
Findings by DAILY GAZETTE indicate that contractors are still owed ₦7.7 billion for supplies made between October and December 2023, while the unpaid balance from the unimplemented rate brings the total debt to about ₦30.7 billion.
Efforts to obtain official comments from the NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages as of press time.
However, a senior officer within the Service confirmed the development, noting that the Ministry of Finance had yet to release funds for the revised rate.
“Yes, it is true,” the official said.
“The contractors have met with the Comptroller-General over this matter, but the issue appears to be beyond his control. The Ministry of Finance hasn’t released the funds, and only what is released can be disbursed to the contractors.”
The officer warned that continued delays in payments could affect food supply and the welfare of inmates, posing potential security risks.
“Feeding is central to the stability of any correctional facility,” he added.
“If contractors pull out or fail to deliver because of unpaid debts, it could lead to unrest among inmates. The security implications are enormous.”
