A total of 7,646 inmates have been released from correctional centres across Nigeria between January 2022 and June 2025, as federal and state governments ramp up efforts to ease overcrowding in custodial facilities.
The releases, coordinated by state and federal authorities, chief judges, and non-governmental organisations, reflect an ongoing commitment to prison decongestion, according to findings by our correspondent on Friday.
Breakdown of the figures shows that 707 inmates were freed in 2022, 4,678 in 2023, and 1,843 in 2024. As of mid-2025, 418 additional inmates have also regained their freedom.
Many of those released were non-violent offenders who had been held for failure to pay fines.
Their release was supported by corporate social responsibility initiatives, with private sector donations amounting to N585 million.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, noted that the initiative has saved the government approximately N1 billion in inmate feeding costs.
Despite these efforts, overcrowding remains a pressing concern.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) reports that the country’s facilities currently house 81,746 inmates—well over the system’s capacity of about 50,000.
Of the current prison population, 54,013 inmates are awaiting trial.
Many face serious charges including armed robbery, murder, and culpable homicide.
Speaking with our correspondent, NCoS spokesperson Abubakar Umar said the Federal Government is taking steps to modernise and expand prison infrastructure.
He confirmed that construction is underway on two new custodial centres—one in Rivers State and another in the Federal Capital Territory—each designed to accommodate up to 6,000 inmates.