Efforts to decongest Nigeria’s overcrowded correctional centres have led to the release of no fewer than 7,228 inmates across the country between January 2022 and December 2024. This figure, sourced from media reports and official statements, reflects initiatives by federal and state governments, chief justices, and non-governmental organizations.
Data from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) reveals that the total inmate population currently stands at 79,125, far exceeding the system’s capacity of just over 50,000. Of this number, 52,903 inmates—representing over 66%—are awaiting trial. Many of these individuals face serious charges such as armed robbery, murder, and culpable homicide, which often lead to prolonged investigations and trials.
According to the NCoS, 707 inmates were granted clemency in 2022. The figure rose significantly in 2023 to 4,678, while another 1,843 inmates were pardoned in 2024. A major release occurred on November 18, 2023, when 4,068 inmates were freed nationwide. This large-scale release was facilitated by the Federal Government through a ₦585 million fund raised by corporate organizations as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives. Many of the released inmates had been incarcerated due to their inability to pay fines.
Speaking with journalists recently, NCoS spokesperson Abubakar Umar attributed the chronic overcrowding in correctional facilities to delays in the judicial process. “Over 52,000 inmates are awaiting trial. This is a significant challenge to the system and underscores the need for expedited judicial procedures,” Umar said.
To mitigate the problem, the NCoS has introduced several strategies. These include enhancing access to justice for inmates by ensuring their timely appearance in court and promoting non-custodial measures such as community service and probation. Additionally, the agency collaborates with state governments to grant clemency to reformed inmates and partners with state judiciaries to conduct regular jail delivery exercises aimed at fast-tracking the release of eligible inmates.
Despite these efforts, the issue of prison congestion remains critical. Experts have called for systemic reforms, including strengthening legal representation for indigent inmates and automating judicial processes to reduce delays.
The NCoS has reiterated its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of inmates while working towards a more effective and humane correctional system. As stakeholders continue to address these challenges, calls for a holistic approach to decongestion, including preventive measures and better utilization of non-custodial sentences, are growing louder.
