The Federal Government has reduced the number of inmates in Nigerian correctional facilities from over 86,000 to approximately 81,450, releasing 4,550 offenders as part of ongoing efforts to decongest custodial centres across the country.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this during a meeting with the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Chinedu Ogah, in Abuja.
The minister explained that the reduction followed a review process targeting inmates detained for minor, bailable offences and others with prolonged incarceration.
“This is part of broader prison reforms aimed at aligning our correctional practices with global best standards,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
“Our correctional centres house some of the most vulnerable people—those whose freedoms have been lawfully restricted. It is our moral and constitutional obligation to treat them with dignity and fairness.”
In a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Press, Ozoya Imohimi, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reforms in the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), underscoring the administration’s focus on justice and humanity.
He emphasized that the strength of any government lies in how it treats its most vulnerable citizens and pledged continued collaboration with the National Assembly to ensure institutional efficiency and inclusion.
“We are working to strengthen our institutions so that even the most forgotten citizens are not left behind,” he said.
On his part, Chinedu Ogah commended the reforms and described them as aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to reposition Nigeria for national development.
Ogah assured that his committee will maintain robust oversight to ensure the success of the reforms and the full realization of the government’s vision for a just and humane correctional system.
