Nigerian prison population reaches 84,741 with 3,590 inmates on death row.
The Nigerian prison population has reached 84,741 as of September 3, 2024, with 3,590 prisoners on death row.
Abubakar Umar, (Nigerian Correctional Service) NCoS public relations officer disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.
According to him, out of the 84,741 inmates, 82,821 are males, and 1,920 others are females.
He expressed concerns over the substantial number, acknowledging the Service’s ongoing efforts to address the issue and ensure proper judicial procedures.
“The breakdown according to their categories is as follows: convicted inmates are 21,900, comprising 21,519 males and 381 females, while lifers are 1,501, comprising 1,478 males and 23 females.
“The total number of inmates on death row is made up of 3,517 males and 73 females, making a total of 3,590,” he said.
Umar explained that the majority of inmates in custody were awaiting trial persons, which posed a significant challenge for the Service due to their high number.
He, however, assured that the Service was taking steps to address the issue and to ensure timely judicial processing for the Awaiting Trial Persons.He noted that recent initiatives, supported by the Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, have led to the release of 4,063 individuals who paid fines or compensation.
The NCoS is also addressing custodial congestion through new facility construction, community sentencing expansion, court logistics improvements, and other decongestion measures. Partnerships with other agencies have enhanced security and operational results, with no internal disturbances reported.
Umar highlighted improvements in inmate care, particularly in reformation and rehabilitation programs, and noted significant progress in education.
As of August 31, 2024, 1,282 inmates were enrolled in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) special study centre. Of these, 1,215 are pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees, 62 are studying for Postgraduate Diplomas and Master’s degrees, and five are working towards Doctor of Philosophy degrees, with three currently writing their theses.
