The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expediting the completion of 6,000-capacity custodial centres in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. This initiative is aimed at alleviating congestion in some existing custodial centres and enhancing the humane treatment of inmates.
Former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, previously stated on September 12, 2022, that the government would finalize the construction of 9,000-capacity facilities in Kano, Rivers, and Abuja by the end of the year. However, as of May 26, 2023, only the 3,000-capacity custodial centre in Janguza, Kano State, was commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The current Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasized the significance of decongesting prisons under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Tunji-Ojo revealed that committees have been established to investigate the causes of congestion in the country’s correctional centres and formulate strategies to reduce inmate numbers.
As of November 13, 2023, the Nigerian Correctional Service reported a total of 80,804 inmates across custodial centres nationwide. The government’s focus on completing new facilities underscores its commitment to addressing the challenges associated with prison overcrowding.