The Nigerian Correctional Service has spent over N3.3bn feeding awaiting-trial inmates in just two months. As of early January 2025, the number of awaiting-trial inmates stood at 48,932, rising to 53,254 by the end of February, according to data from the NCoS website. This surge, along with President Bola Tinubu’s increase in the daily feeding allowance from N750 to N1,125 per inmate, has significantly strained the NCoS budget. With an estimated 50,000 awaiting-trial inmates fed for 60 days at the new rate, total spending exceeds N3.3bn. To address the backlog of cases, acting Controller-General Sylvester Nwakuche has pledged to work with key stakeholders, including state chief judges, attorneys-general, and the Inspector-General of Police, to speed up trials. He also stressed the importance of collaborating with state governments and judicial bodies to promote non-custodial measures like parole and community service, aiming to curb the rising inmate population.