The Nigerian Correctional Service says 51,955 out of 80,812 inmates in custodial centres across the country are awaiting trial. Controller-General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, disclosed this while defending the agency’s 2026 budget estimates before the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions.
He said the total inmate population as of February 9 stood at 80,812, with 24,913 convicted. Nwakuche described the service as a critical institution within the criminal justice system, responsible for custodial and non-custodial services, as well as the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.
On the 2025 budget performance, he said the service received N184.63 billion, with N112.68 billion released for personnel costs. He added that N27.28 billion was spent on inmate feeding, leaving outstanding food ration liabilities of N10.75 billion.
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For 2026, the service has proposed a budget of N198.85 billion, including N138.30 billion for personnel expenditure to cover a projected workforce of 37,541 officers. The Controller-General also appealed for additional funds to address infrastructure challenges, while Committee Chairman Chinedu Ogah called for urgent reforms in ageing correctional facilities.
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