The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics has released its latest report on the Nigerian Correctional Service, covering data from 2017 to the second quarter of 2025. According to the report, the total inmate population in Nigeria has increased by 16.82% from 69,946 in 2017 to 81,710 in Q2 2025. This growth is attributed to various factors, including an increase in admissions across different offenses.
The report highlights that Lagos State has the highest inmate population, with 9,209 inmates, followed by Ogun, Kano, and Enugu. Conversely, Kogi State has the lowest inmate population at 530. The data also reveals that the number of unsentenced inmates has risen by 12.98% from 47,610 in 2017 to 53,790 in Q2 2025. This increase raises concerns about the efficiency of the judicial system in processing cases.
In terms of correctional facilities, the report notes that the capacity of these centers has increased by 20.99% from 53,752 in 2017 to 65,035 in Q2 2025. However, the overcrowding ratio in some states, such as Lagos, remains a significant issue, with a ratio of 221%. The report also provides insights into the types of offenses that lead to admissions, with stealing, other offenses, and armed robbery being the top three.
The Nigerian Correctional Service received a total of 176,536 inmate admissions in 2024, with remand/awaiting trial cases accounting for the highest number of admissions at 94,614. The report further breaks down the admissions by type of offense, with bribery and corruption, cybercrime, and smuggling being the least common. These statistics provide valuable insights into the state of Nigeria’s correctional system and highlight areas that require attention and reform.
The release of this report is significant, as it provides an update on the current state of Nigeria’s correctional system. The data presented will be useful for policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers seeking to understand the trends and challenges in the system. As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of justice and rehabilitation, this report serves as a crucial tool for informing decisions and shaping the future of the country’s correctional services.
