Federal Government Allocates N3 Million Daily for Meals to Sustain 4,000 Inmates, Reveals Tunji-Ojo

InfoStride News reported that Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed that the Federal Government expends N3 million daily to provide meals for approximately 4,000 inmates nationwide. The minister highlighted the economic rationale behind efforts to decongest correctional facilities, emphasizing the need for efficient resource allocation.

Speaking on Channel TV’s Politics Today, Tunji-Ojo stressed the importance of considering the economy of scale. He stated, “To feed these 4,068 inmates costs the government about N3 million a day. Multiply N3 million a day by 365 days.” The minister asserted that such fiscal considerations underscore the government’s commitment to prudence in managing public resources.

In response to inquiries regarding allegations of collusion between prison officials and non-state actors to support terrorism, Tunji-Ojo condemned the notion as “despicable” and treasonable if proven true. He expressed disbelief that individuals sworn to protect the nation’s integrity would compromise it by aligning with terrorists. The minister vowed that any such acts would not be swept under the carpet, as undermining the country’s security is a serious offense that warrants investigation and prosecution.

Earlier in the month, InfoStride News covered the release of 4,086 inmates from custodial centers due to their inability to pay bail fees. Tunji-Ojo revealed that the federal government secured N500 million from the private sector and civil society to facilitate their release. The funds were utilized to offset fines and compensations, amounting to an average annual savings of N1.1 billion in feeding costs.

“We raised N585 million from the private sector to offset these fines and compensations to save the government an average of N1.1 billion per annum in feeding. That’s just the economy of scale,” explained the minister. He questioned the justification of spending N1.1 billion on feeding while holding individuals for N585 million, particularly when the latter sum does not originate from the government.

In conclusion, the Minister of Interior highlighted the financial considerations associated with inmate care and the government’s commitment to responsible resource management. The revelations regarding the daily cost of feeding inmates and efforts to address congestion in correctional facilities underscore the multifaceted challenges faced by the criminal justice system in Nigeria. The minister’s strong stance against any collusion with terrorists reinforces the government’s commitment to national security and integrity. InfoStride News continues to provide comprehensive coverage of developments in Nigeria, shedding light on important issues that impact the nation’s governance and security.