The Nigerian Prisons Service has reported that, as of September 3, 2024, a total of 84,741 inmates are currently being held in prisons across the country. This number comprises 82,821 males and 1,920 females.
According to Assistant Controller of Corrections and Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, the breakdown of the inmate population is as follows:
- Convicted inmates: 21,900 (21,519 males, 381 females)
- Lifers: 1,501 (1,478 males, 23 females)
- Awaiting trial inmates: 57,750 (56,303 males, 1,447 females)
- Inmates on death row: 3,590 (3,517 males, 73 females)
Umar noted that the majority of inmates are awaiting trial, posing a significant challenge for the service due to their high numbers. However, he assured that the agency is taking steps to address this issue and ensure timely judicial processing for awaiting trial persons.
The Nigerian Prisons Service has implemented various measures to address custodial congestion, including the release of inmates who have been given the option to pay fines and/or compensation, the construction of new facilities, and the expansion of community sentencing. These efforts have resulted in the successful reduction of the inmate population by 4,063 individuals.
The agency’s partnerships with other agencies have also yielded positive results, enhancing security and outcomes in and around prison facilities.
