The National Bureau of Statistics has disclosed that Nigeria’s inmate population climbed by nearly 17 per cent between 2017 and the second quarter of 2025, with Lagos, Ogun, Kano and Enugu states accounting for the highest numbers of inmates nationwide.
According to the Nigerian Correctional Service Statistics for 2017 to Q2 2025, released by the NBS on Wednesday in Abuja, the total number of inmates rose from 69,946 in 2017 to 81,710 as of Q2 2025 — an increase of 16.82 per cent.
The report, which covers inmate population, correctional centre capacity, unsentenced inmates and admissions, painted a grim picture of overcrowding across several facilities, particularly in Lagos State.
It showed that Lagos recorded the highest inmate population with 9,209 inmates, despite having a combined correctional centre capacity of 4,167, translating to an overcrowding rate of about 221 per cent.
Other states with large inmate populations include Ogun with 4,939 inmates, Kano with 4,667, and Enugu with 3,536.
In contrast, Kogi State recorded the lowest inmate population at 530, followed by Bayelsa with 696 and Benue with 777 inmates.
The NBS also reported a steady rise in the number of unsentenced or awaiting-trial inmates, which increased from 47,610 in 2017 to 53,790 in Q2 2025 — a growth of 12.98 per cent, further highlighting concerns over delays in the administration of justice.
Although the capacity of correctional centres expanded during the period under review, the increase has not matched the growth in inmate numbers. The bureau noted that total capacity rose from 53,752 in 2017 to 65,035 in Q2 2025, representing a 20.99 per cent increase.
On inmate admissions, the report revealed that by the end of 2024, Nigeria’s correctional facilities recorded a total of 176,536 admissions across various offences. Remand and awaiting-trial cases accounted for the highest number with 94,614 admissions, while condemned cases were the least at 2,883.
In terms of offences, stealing topped the list with 55,722 admissions, followed by other unspecified offences at 46,043 and armed robbery at 10,090. Bribery and corruption-related offences recorded the lowest admissions at 27, while cybercrime stood at 48 and smuggling at 118.
The findings once again underscore persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s correctional system, particularly overcrowding, prolonged pre-trial detention and pressure on existing facilities.
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