Nigeria’s correctional facilities are under growing strain as prolonged delays in the justice system push awaiting-trial inmates to 64 per cent of the country’s total custodial population, according to the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).
The Controller-General of the Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, said the situation reflects systemic challenges that extend beyond the walls of correctional centres, leaving thousands of detainees in prolonged custody without convictions.
As of February 9, 2026, the total inmate population stood at 80,812, with 51,955 awaiting trial, 24,913 convicted inmates and 3,850 held under other detention categories.
Nwakuche disclosed the figures while presenting the Service’s 2025 budget performance and 2026 estimates before the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions at the National Assembly in Abuja.
“The dominance of awaiting-trial inmates is a clear indicator of delays within the criminal justice process, and it continues to place enormous pressure on our custodial centres,” Nwakuche said.
He noted that many facilities were constructed decades ago and are now operating far beyond their intended capacity, compounding security, welfare and rehabilitation challenges.
Describing the mandate of the Service, the Controller-General stated the NCoS plays a central role in the justice system, providing custodial and non-custodial services, ensuring the safe custody of legally detained persons and facilitating their rehabilitation and reintegration.
“Our responsibility does not end at confinement. We are required to ensure humane treatment, adequate feeding in line with international standards, and structured rehabilitation that prepares inmates for reintegration into society,” he said.
Despite these responsibilities, Nwakuche said capital funding remains critically inadequate. Of the ₦14.50 billion appropriated for capital projects in 2025, only ₦3.22 billion—about 22 per cent—was released and utilised.
“Without sufficient capital investment, we cannot rehabilitate ageing facilities, expand capacity or deploy modern security and ICT systems that are essential for safe and effective custodial management,” he warned.
In 2025, the Service spent ₦27.28 billion on inmate feeding nationwide, with outstanding food ration obligations of ₦10.75 billion, while ₦6.49 billion was expended on operational costs including court logistics, utilities and facility maintenance.
Looking ahead to 2026, Nwakuche presented a proposed budget of ₦198.85 billion, stressing the need for targeted funding to address congestion and infrastructure decay.
“Expanding non-custodial measures remains one of the most sustainable solutions to decongestion, and this requires deliberate investment and legislative support,” he told lawmakers.
He appealed for additional capital funding of ₦90.38 billion, a dedicated ₦37.99 billion for non-custodial measures across the 774 local government areas, and approval to clear outstanding promotion arrears and contractor liabilities.
Earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Chinedu Ogah, described the situation as a national security concern and called for urgent reforms.
“The Nigeria Correctional Service is a critical component of our internal security architecture, yet it has not received the level of funding and attention commensurate with its responsibilities,” Ogah said.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to assent to the Correctional Service Trust Fund Bill, noting that it would strengthen decentralised correctional infrastructure and ease pressure on federal facilities.
“Many of our correctional centres are over 100 years old. Without urgent intervention, congestion and security risks will persist,” Ogah added.
The lawmaker also highlighted progress in inmate education, revealing that about 10 National Open University of Nigeria study centres are now operational within custodial facilities.
“Education has proven to be one of the most effective tools for rehabilitation. We have seen inmates graduate and return to society with renewed purpose,” he said.
As deliberations on the 2026 budget continue, lawmakers noted they would closely scrutinise the Service’s funding requests and performance, amid rising calls for reforms to address justice delays, custodial congestion and the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s correctional system.