The Nigeria Correctional Service reports that 64% of the country's prison population consists of awaiting trial inmates, contributing to extreme congestion in facilities.
The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has revealed alarming statistics indicating that 64% of the total inmate population in the country's correctional facilities are awaiting trial. This information was disclosed by the Controller-General of NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, during a presentation before the House of Representatives Committee in Abuja. Such a high percentage underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the nation’s criminal justice system, particularly in the realm of pre-trial detention.
As of February 9, 2026, the total inmate population is reported to be 80,812, with 51,955 individuals awaiting trial. The remaining inmates include 24,913 convicts and 3,850 categorized under other detention types. The statistics highlight the critical issue of overcrowding in Nigeria's correctional facilities, which were primarily built decades ago and have been unable to accommodate the rising number of detainees. This significant congestion poses serious health and safety risks for inmates and staff alike and raises concerns about the overall effectiveness of the rehabilitation and criminal justice processes in the country.
The situation reveals the urgent need for reform in Nigeria’s correctional system and legal processes, particularly regarding the duration that individuals can spend awaiting trial. Nwakuche pointed out that the current state of the correctional service is vital to the success of the country's criminal justice system. Policymakers and stakeholders are likely to discuss potential strategies to alleviate this issue, which may include legislative reforms or increased investment in infrastructure and alternative sentencing options for non-violent offenders.
