The Federal Government has released a total of 7,646 inmates across Nigeria in a major push to decongest correctional centres. The releases, which took place between January 2022 and June 2025, were made possible through court directives, state pardons, and financial support from corporate donors who paid fines for non-violent offenders.
According to Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the initiative saved the government over ₦1 billion in inmate feeding costs. He further disclosed that ₦585 million was raised through Corporate Social Responsibility schemes to assist low-risk inmates unable to pay their fines. Despite the progress, Nigerian prisons still hold over 81,000 inmates, with 54,000 awaiting trial.
To address the persistent overcrowding, the government has commenced the construction of two new mega correctional facilities in Abuja and Port Harcourt. Each facility is designed to accommodate 6,000 inmates, and authorities say the centres will be equipped with modern rehabilitation infrastructure.
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