As federal and state governments intensify efforts to address chronic overcrowding in the Nigeria Prisons, the correctional centres across have released no fewer than 7,646 inmates between January 2022 and June 2025.
Our correspondent gathered on Friday that the releases, which were carried out by state and federal authorities, chief judges, and non-governmental organisations, reflect a growing trend in decongestion initiatives.
The various media reports this maintained that over 707 inmates were released in 2022, 4,678 in 2023 and 1,843 in 2024.
A total of 418 inmates have been freed as of mid-2025.
The mass pardon targeted individuals who were unable to pay fines and was supported by corporate donations totalling N585m under corporate social responsibility programmes.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated that the initiative helped the government saved about N1bn in feeding expenses for inmates.
However, the Nigerian Correctional Service in his data indicated that the country’s correctional facilities currently house 81,746 inmates, far exceeding the system’s intended capacity of just over 50,000.
Meanwhile over 54,013 inmates are awaiting trial, many of whom face serious criminal charges such as armed robbery, murder, and culpable homicide.
The spokesperson for the Nigeria Correctional Service, Abubakar Umar, recently told Journalist that the Federal Government was working on expanding infrastructure to modernise and relieve pressure on existing correctional facilities.
The development of Gurara Suleja and Tafa Federal Constituency….My priority
