Overcrowding, judicial delays, and strained resources are pushing Nigeria’s correctional facilities into a crisis, with a staggering 48,932 inmates currently awaiting trial, the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) revealed. As the situation worsens, calls for urgent reform are growing louder.
Nigeria’s prisons are rapidly approaching a crisis, with nearly 50,000 individuals awaiting trial, according to the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS). In his first address to NCoS officers in Abuja, Acting Comptroller-General Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche highlighted overcrowding as the service’s most pressing challenge.
“Overcrowding is undoubtedly the most critical issue we face in the Nigerian correctional system,” Nwakuche remarked during a high-level session with field officers. “As of January 6, 2025, 48,932 inmates are classified as Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs), many of whom have been in custody for extended periods due to delayed trials.”
The staggering number of ATPs represents a significant portion of Nigeria’s incarcerated population. Nwakuche’s statement underscores a systemic failure to promptly address the backlog of cases in Nigerian courts, an issue that has plagued the justice system for years.
Judicial Bottlenecks and Overcrowding Crisis
The problem of overcrowding in Nigerian prisons has long been an issue of concern. In many states, the prison population has exceeded capacity, with many facilities running far above their intended limits. The NCoS chief explained that while the majority of these inmates—over 90 percent—are detained on behalf of state authorities, the root cause lies in the slow pace of judicial proceedings.
The NCoS has been actively engaging with various stakeholders, including state Chief Executives, the judiciary, and law enforcement agencies, to alleviate the problem. “We are working on expediting the trial process, particularly for those held on non-bailable offenses such as armed robbery and murder, which account for over 60 percent of ATPs,” Nwakuche said, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative efforts in addressing the trial delays.
To mitigate the strain on Nigeria’s correctional system, the NCoS is focusing on two main areas: accelerating judicial processes and exploring non-custodial measures. “The judicial bottleneck has been a key factor in this crisis, and we plan to work closely with the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, and other prosecuting agencies to fast-track the trials of these inmates,” Nwakuche said.
Non-Custodial Measures to the Rescue?
The implementation of non-custodial measures—such as bail options, fines, and alternative sentencing—has been touted as a potential solution to the overcrowding issue. In his address, Nwakuche emphasized that these measures could help reduce the flow of individuals into correctional facilities. “This administration will explore every available opportunity within the framework of non-custodial measures,” he asserted. “We must reduce the influx of inmates, and this will require more awareness and education on the benefits of such alternatives.”
Non-custodial sentencing has already been successful in several countries, and experts have recommended its implementation in Nigeria as a means of addressing the overcrowding crisis. However, the NCoS acknowledges that there is still a significant gap in understanding and application of these measures, particularly among state-level legal authorities.
“We intend to educate and engage State Chief Judges, Attorneys-General, and Commissioners of Police in a bid to enhance awareness and the use of non-custodial options,” Nwakuche said. “There is a need for more proactive engagement at the state level to ensure that non-custodial measures are effectively implemented.”
New Construction Plans: A Glimmer of Hope?
In addition to addressing overcrowding through judicial reforms, the NCoS is also looking toward infrastructure development. The organization has proposed the construction of a new 3,000-capacity ultramodern custodial facility to be established across various states.
“This is part of our long-term strategy to address the challenges of overcrowding in Nigeria’s correctional centers,” Nwakuche noted. “We are optimistic that these new facilities will help alleviate some of the current pressure on our existing prisons.”
However, while these plans offer hope, many critics are skeptical about whether the construction of new facilities will solve the deeper systemic issues. Overcrowding is not solely a result of a lack of physical space but also a product of inefficient judicial processes and lack of alternative sentencing. Experts argue that without addressing the root causes of the crisis, building more prisons could lead to a cycle of overcrowding that repeats itself.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Immediate Action
The NCoS has made it clear that immediate action is required to avoid further deterioration of the country’s correctional system. The push for reforms is gaining momentum as human rights organizations, legal practitioners, and other stakeholders increasingly demand action from both the federal and state governments.
“The status quo is unacceptable,” said a prominent human rights advocate who requested anonymity. “If Nigeria continues to neglect the urgency of judicial reform and prison decongestion, we risk worsening the already deplorable conditions in our prisons, which will have long-lasting consequences for both the inmates and society at large.”
The NCoS has a delicate balancing act ahead. While pushing for faster trials and non-custodial alternatives, it also must work to improve the conditions of inmates and ensure that their rights are upheld throughout the process.
