As of September 3, 2024, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) reported that there are a total of 84,741 inmates in Nigerian prisons.

This population includes 82,821 male inmates and 1,920 female inmates. Among these, 3,590 prisoners are on death row, comprising 3,517 males and 73 females.

The NCoS spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, highlighted the huge challenge posed by the high number of awaiting trial inmates (ATIs), which stands at 57,750, with 56,303 males and 1,447 females.

Umar also noted that convicted inmates total 21,900, including 21,519 males and 381 females, while lifers account for 1,501 inmates, with 1,478 males and 23 females.

To address the issue of custodial congestion, the NCoS has implemented several measures, such as constructing new facilities, expanding community sentencing, improving court logistics, and releasing 4,063 individuals who were given the option to pay fines or compensation.

The NCoS is also focused on reinforcing the security of custodial facilities against external threats and maintaining a stable environment within the facilities. Thanks to the initiative and backing of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, these efforts have been successful in reducing the inmate population and ensuring timely judicial processing for awaiting trial persons.