The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has revealed that 48,932 Awaiting Trial Persons are currently occupying its custodial centres nationwide, of which 60 percent are on non-bailable offences like armed robbery, murder and others.
Addressing senior officers of the agency Monday at the national headquarters in Abuja, the newly appointed acting Controller General, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, revealed plan to interface with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Inspector General of Police, and other prosecuting abencies and critical stakeholders to fast track the trial of these inmates.
The acting CG said his leadership will also fast-track the construction of proposed 3,000-capacity ultramodern custodial facilities and other centres across the country.
He said: “Overcrowding, no doubt, stands out as the most pressing challenge of the NCoS. While engaging State Chief Executives to expedite the trial of the over 90% state offenders in custody, the use of non-custodial measures and early release mechanisms will be taken up with the judiciary.
“Presently, our statistics as at Monday 6th January, 2025 showed that 48,932 inmates in custody are Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs). I intend to interface with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Inspector General of Police, and other Prosecuting Agencies and critical stakeholders to fast track the trial of these inmates especially those on non-bailable offences like armed robbery, murder and others that constitute over 60% of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs).”
The NCoS, however, urged the state Commandant to relate with your State Chief Judges, Attorneys-General, Commissioners of Police to further address the challenges.
“This administration will explore the window of opportunities as provided by the Non-Custodial Measures to address the influx of inmates into our facilities. I implore you to reach out to the State Chief Judges, Attorneys-General of your States and other stakeholders to cash in on this; some of them needs to be educated on this.”
On welfare of inmates and staff, Nwakuche said: “Their welfare will be a top priority. Our efforts in reforming and rehabilitating inmates will also involve expanding classrooms, upscaling vocational skills centres, and fostering Public-Private Partnerships to guarantee sustainability.
“Staff welfare will be a primary consideration in my administration. Without the human element, even technological deployment will suffer setbacks. There is no gainsaying that staff presently suffer untold hardship in terms of accommodation as the vast majority live in either unbefitting houses or completely squalid make-shift shelters. We shall respond by embarking on vigorous barrack rehabilitation and constructing new ones where required.
“Prompt promotion of qualified personnel and corresponding salary placement will be done without undue delay. You will agree with me that salaries have been improved. We will do more.
“The acute shortage of personnel, which has resulted in staff deployment on 18-hour non-stop duty, will also be addressed by stepping up discussions with relevant authorities for the recruitment of more personnel. Meanwhile, Mr. President has approved the recruitment of some personnel and medical staff in order to boost the workforce.”
While warning that his administration will maintain zero tolerance to acts that compromise the sanctity of the Nigerian Correctional Service, the NCoS also directed that the senior officers to resume immediately and take seriously quarterly inspection of Custodial Facilities under their Commands and Command Offices under their zones.
He said: “Weekly searches should not be compromised while weak structures and other matters that require urgent attention should be highlighted in such reports.”
