FG Allocates N49bn to Improve Prison Conditions and Inmate Welfare

The Federal Government has announced plans to spend N49 billion on improving prison facilities and inmate welfare across the country in 2026. The funding will cover essential needs such as meals, medical care, uniforms, and major renovations to correctional centres.

A large portion of the budget, N40 billion, will go toward food and catering services, while the remainder will be used for uniforms, healthcare supplies, infrastructure upgrades, and modern security measures, including biometric systems to enhance prison management.

The move comes as authorities aim to address overcrowding, improve living conditions, and ensure that prisons meet modern standards. Many inmates are still awaiting trial, making the need for better facilities and efficient management more urgent.

Officials have also signaled plans to relocate older facilities that no longer meet operational standards, as part of a broader strategy to modernise the nation’s correctional system and provide safer, more humane conditions for inmates and staff.