Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has said 27,416 inmates were convicted across custodial centres nationwide in 2025, while 50,703 others are in detention awaiting conclusion of their trials.
These are contained in the latest statistics the NCoS released, which also highlighted the persistent challenge of overcrowding in Nigeria’s custodial facilities, driven largely by the high population of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs).
The reported noted the disproportionate number of inmates awaiting trial continues, saying it over stretches the infrastructure, manpower, and resources beyond capacity.
According to the report, the situation has also caused growing financial burden on the Federal Government responsible for feeding and maintaining inmates nationwide.
It said the NCoS spends an estimated ₦1,125 daily on feeding each inmate, adding that the cost of sustaining more than 50,000 awaiting-trial inmates has significantly increased government expenditure on the correctional system.
The Service said the funds required to cater for inmates whose cases remain unresolved for years could be channeled to rehabilitation programmes and facility upgrades.
It was learnt that many inmates awaiting trial are facing murder, armed robbery, and culpable homicide charges, adding that such offences typically involve prolonged investigations, complex prosecutions, and multiple court adjournments, all of which contribute to delays within the justice system.
It would be recalled that the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, early this year revealed that 48,932 Awaiting Trial Persons were being held in custodial centres as of January 2025.
He had pledged to intensify engagement with key justice sector stakeholders, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Inspector-General of Police, and other prosecuting authorities, with the aim of accelerating trials and reducing congestion.
Despite those efforts, the latest figures show that the number of awaiting-trial inmates has risen further, climbing to 50,703 by December 2025, highlighting the slow pace of reform within the criminal justice system.
