The number of prisoners on death row in Nigerian prisons has increased by 98 in just six months, according to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). The Acting Controller-General of NCoS, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, revealed this during his appearance before the Senate Committee on Interior on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
As of March 2025, there are 3,688 inmates awaiting execution, up from 3,590 in September 2024. This marks a 2.73% increase in the death row population in just six months. The rise in death row prisoners is a concern for the NCoS, as it adds pressure to an already overburdened prison system in Nigeria.
In his presentation before the Senate Committee, chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Nwakuche explained that the major challenge facing the Nigerian Correctional Service is the high number of inmates who are awaiting trial. These individuals often spend years in prison without having their cases heard, leading to overcrowded facilities.
“The issue of inmates awaiting trial is the biggest challenge we are facing,” Nwakuche said. “We are trying to address this issue daily, but it requires collaboration with other security agencies.”
Nwakuche’s remarks highlight the ongoing struggle of the Nigerian Correctional Service to manage overcrowded prisons and ensure timely justice for individuals facing trial. With more people being sent to death row, the pressure on Nigeria’s correctional system continues to grow, raising concerns about prison conditions, the speed of the justice system, and the treatment of prisoners.
One of the key strategies discussed by the Acting Controller-General was the need for greater cooperation between the NCoS and other law enforcement agencies, such as the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Nwakuche emphasized that working together with these agencies would help speed up legal processes, particularly for those awaiting trial, and ultimately help reduce the number of prisoners in Nigeria’s correctional facilities.
“In any establishment, collaboration is essential for progress,” Nwakuche explained. “The NCoS cannot function alone. We are the recipients of the products of all the prosecuting agencies, and it is critical that we all work together to resolve the issues facing our prisons.”
Prison overcrowding in Nigeria has been a long-standing issue. According to reports from human rights organizations, Nigerian prisons have been operating well above their capacity for years. In many cases, inmates face harsh conditions, with limited access to basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. The issue is further complicated by the high number of prisoners awaiting trial, many of whom are left to languish in prison for extended periods without a proper hearing of their cases.
The NCoS has been under pressure to improve conditions in the country’s correctional facilities, but the high number of inmates, combined with insufficient funding and resources, makes it difficult to bring about lasting change. The NCoS has continued to call for reforms to the justice system, particularly to speed up the trial process and reduce the number of people held in pretrial detention.
The call for collaboration with other security agencies is a step towards tackling some of these issues. By improving the efficiency of the legal process, it is hoped that the number of people awaiting trial can be reduced, and consequently, the overcrowding problem in Nigerian prisons may begin to ease. However, the challenge remains significant, and many experts believe that a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s justice system is needed to address these issues in a sustainable way.
In addition to the death row increase, Nwakuche also mentioned that the NCoS is actively working to improve the conditions of correctional facilities across the country. While the details of these efforts were not fully outlined, Nwakuche assured the Senate Committee that the NCoS was committed to ensuring that prisoners, regardless of their charges, are treated in accordance with international human rights standards.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who chaired the Senate Committee on Interior, acknowledged the challenges faced by the NCoS and promised that the committee would submit its report based on the performance of the Acting Controller-General. He also highlighted the importance of addressing prison overcrowding, stating that it was a critical issue that needed immediate attention.
“We will ensure that we examine all the issues raised today and look for ways to improve the situation,” Senator Oshiomhole said. “This is not just a matter for the NCoS but for the entire justice system in Nigeria.”
The increase in the number of prisoners on death row and the challenges of managing awaiting trial inmates are part of a larger conversation about the state of Nigeria’s prison system. Many experts argue that urgent reforms are needed to address the root causes of overcrowding, slow trials, and poor prison conditions.
In recent years, there have been calls for the decriminalization of certain offenses, the introduction of alternative sentencing methods, and the improvement of the legal framework to ensure a faster, more efficient justice system. While some progress has been made, much work remains to be done.
As the NCoS continues to grapple with these challenges, the government and other stakeholders must work together to find long-term solutions. The overcrowding problem is not only a human rights issue but also a threat to the safety and security of all Nigerians. Addressing these issues will require significant investment in the justice system, as well as a commitment to reform from all sectors of society.
With the number of prisoners on death row steadily rising, it is clear that Nigeria’s prison system is under increasing strain. The collaboration between the NCoS and other security agencies may be an important step toward easing this burden, but much more needs to be done to ensure that justice is served fairly and efficiently for all Nigerians.
