Nigeria’s Correctional Facilities Overcrowded as Inmate Population Rises — NBS Report

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has released a report highlighting growing congestion in Nigeria’s correctional facilities, with data drawn from the Nigerian Correctional Service spanning 2017 to the second quarter (Q2) of 2025.
According to the report, the data covers inmate population figures, correctional centre capacities, the number of unsentenced inmates, and total admissions across the country.
In Q2 2025, Lagos State recorded the highest inmate population in the country with 9,209 inmates, despite having a correctional centre capacity of just 4,167. This represents an overcrowding rate of about 221 per cent, making Lagos the most congested state facility-wise.
Other states with high inmate populations include Ogun with 4,939 inmates, Kano with 4,667, and Enugu with 3,536 inmates.
In contrast, Kogi State recorded the lowest inmate population at 530, followed by Bayelsa with 696 inmates and Benue with 777.
The report further revealed a steady rise in the number of unsentenced inmates. Figures increased from 47,610 in 2017 to 53,790 in Q2 2025, reflecting a 12.98 per cent growth over the period.
While inmate numbers increased, the capacity of correctional centres also expanded, though at a slower pace. Between 2017 and Q2 2025, total capacity rose from 53,752 to 65,035, representing a 20.99 per cent increase.
At the end of 2024, Nigeria’s correctional facilities recorded a total of 176,536 inmate admissions across various offences. Remand and awaiting trial cases accounted for the highest number of admissions, with 94,614 inmates, while condemned cases recorded the lowest admissions at 2,883.
A breakdown by offence type showed that stealing topped the list with 55,722 admissions, followed by other unspecified offences at 46,043 and armed robbery at 10,090.
The least recorded offences were bribery and corruption with 27 admissions, followed by cybercrime at 48 and smuggling at 118.
The report underscores persistent challenges in Nigeria’s correctional system, particularly overcrowding and the growing number of inmates awaiting trial.