The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has reported a concerning increase in the number of prisoners on death row. According to Sylvester Nwakuche, the acting controller-general of NCoS, the number rose from 3,590 in September 2024 to 3,688 in March 2025. This represents a 2.73 percent increase, or 98 prisoners, within a six-month period.

Nwakuche made this disclosure while being screened by the Senate Committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole. He highlighted the challenges the NCoS faces, particularly the reluctance of state governors to execute inmates on death row or commute their sentences to life imprisonment. This inaction contributes significantly to the congestion in urban correctional facilities.

"Inmates on death row are now 3,688, from 3,590 in September 2024. State governors are part of our challenges," Nwakuche stated. "They refuse to execute inmates on death row; neither do they commute their death sentence to life imprisonment."

The acting controller-general explained that commuting death sentences to life imprisonment would allow for a more equitable distribution of inmates to rural correctional facilities, which are less congested. He emphasized that congestion is primarily an urban phenomenon, with urban correctional facilities being significantly more crowded than their rural counterparts.

In addition to addressing the issue of inmates on death row, Nwakuche stressed the importance of collaboration and synergy with other security agencies to tackle the challenge of awaiting trials. He noted that the NCoS is at the receiving end of the products of all prosecuting agencies, including the Nigeria Police, EFCC, DSS, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and ICPC.

"This is very important for any establishment to forge ahead. An establishment like correctional centres cannot do anything without collaboration. We are the one at the receiving end of the products of all the prosecuting agencies," Nwakuche said.

He lamented the slow pace of the justice system, pointing out that many inmates have been in correctional facilities for extended periods, sometimes longer than the sentences they would have received if convicted. He called for the discharge and acquittal of such individuals to help decongest the facilities.

Nwakuche also mentioned meetings with the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of DSS, and the Attorney-General of the Federation to foster collaboration and address the issue of inmates awaiting the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, stated that the committee would submit its report based on Nwakuche's performance. The NCoS is seeking strategic collaboration with various agencies to expedite the justice process and alleviate congestion in correctional facilities nationwide.