Nigeria's FG Panel Exposes Prison Feeding Scam

A Federal Government panel investigating allegations of corruption and human rights violations within the Nigerian Correctional Service has uncovered a significant prison feeding scam. The panel's final report, submitted by Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on June 3, 2026, reveals severe deficiencies in inmate welfare, particularly regarding food arrangements.

The report indicates that inmates receive inadequate nutrition, contributing to widespread malnutrition and even deaths. The panel recommends increasing the daily feeding allowance from N750 to N3,000.

Investigations found evidence of misappropriation of funds allocated for inmate feeding and healthcare, with inflated figures in feeding contracts and irregularities in contract awards. The report highlights that food supply contracts were often awarded to companies located far from correctional facilities, creating opportunities for subcontracting and corruption.

The panel's findings stem from assessments of 86 custodial facilities across 23 states and public hearings held from September 30, 2024, to mid-2025.