Nigerian Correctional Service death row and custodial congestion crisis has reached significant levels, with 3590 Inmates currently on Death Row.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has revealed that 3,590 inmates are currently on death row across the nation’s correctional centers, as disclosed by Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) Abubakar Umar on September 3, 2024, in Abuja. This figure is part of a broader population of 84,741 inmates housed in custodial facilities throughout the country, with 82,821 males and 1,920 females.
A concerning challenge facing the correctional system is the overwhelming number of 57,750 awaiting trial inmates (ATIs), accounting for over 68% of the total inmate population. This imbalance includes 56,303 males and 1,447 females, further straining resources.
Key statistics on inmate distribution include:
- Convicted inmates: 21,900 (21,519 males and 381 females)
- Lifers: 1,501 (1,478 males and 23 females)
- Inmates on Death Row (IDR): 3,590 (3,517 males and 73 females)
Decongestion Initiatives
To address the challenges of Nigerian Correctional Service death row and custodial congestion, the NCoS, in partnership with the Minister of Interior, has implemented decongestion strategies. These include release of 4,063 inmates through fines and/or compensation options, as well as the construction of new facilities and the expansion of alternative sentencing programs.
Education and Rehabilitation Efforts
In an effort to reduce the strain caused by the Nigerian Correctional Service death row and custodial congestion, the NCoS has also partnered with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to offer educational programs. Currently, 1,282 inmates are enrolled in various academic programs including:
- 1,215 inmates enrolled in Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) programs
- 62 inmates in Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) and Master’s programs
- 5 inmates working towards Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, with three actively writing their thesis.
These programs aim to equip inmates with skills for successful integration into society, underscoring the Ncos’s commitment to reform and rehabilitation alongside its efforts to address overcrowding.
The challenge of custodial connection remains significant, but the ongoing efforts, including educational initiatives and the expansion of alternative sentencing options, offer promising solutions to a complex issue.
