According to the Nigeria Prisons Service, there are currently 3,590 inmates on death row across prisons in Nigeria. Abubakar Umar, the Public Relations Officer and Assistant Controller of Corrections, provided this information to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday.

As of September 3, 2024, the total number of inmates in Nigerian prisons stands at 84,741, comprising 82,821 males and 1,920 females. Of these, 57,750 are awaiting trial, including 56,303 males and 1,447 females.

The breakdown of the inmate categories is as follows: 21,900 convicted inmates (21,519 males and 381 females) and 1,501 serving life sentences (1,478 males and 23 females). Among them, 3,590 are on death row, with 3,517 males and 73 females.

Umar highlighted that the large number of awaiting trial inmates presents a significant challenge for the service. However, steps are being taken to address this issue and expedite judicial processing.

He noted that, with support from the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Service reduced the inmate population by releasing 4,063 individuals who were able to pay fines or compensation. Additionally, efforts to address prison overcrowding include constructing new facilities, expanding community sentencing, improving court logistics, and implementing decongestion measures.

Umar also reported that partnerships with other agencies have enhanced security and improved conditions within the facilities. The Service has maintained a stable environment with no internal disturbances.

Significant progress has been made in inmate treatment and rehabilitation. In collaboration with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), many inmates are enrolled in academic programs. As of August 31, 2024, 1,282 inmates are enrolled at NOUN, including 1,215 pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees, 62 studying for postgraduate diplomas or Master’s degrees, and five pursuing PhDs, with three currently writing their theses.