The Nigerian Correctional Service has raised concerns over what it describes as a worsening crisis in the management of death row inmates, citing overcrowding, prolonged legal processes, financial strain, and systemic neglect.
Speaking at the third public hearing of the Independent Investigative Panel on Alleged Corruption, Abuse of Power, Torture, and Other Inhumane Treatment by the NCoS in Abuja on Tuesday, Assistant Controller General Cyrus Lekatile revealed that 3,845 inmates are currently on death row across the country, including 81 women.
“The sheer number of inmates awaiting execution is contributing to extreme overcrowding in custodial centres, making it difficult to provide adequate care or rehabilitation,” Lekatile said, noting that most death row prisoners face long periods of uncertainty as their appeals drag on or they await clemency.
He explained that political reluctance to sign death warrants has effectively slowed the enforcement of capital punishment to a near standstill. “Governors and even the president are legally responsible for approving executions, but many are unwilling to do so, resulting in what is essentially a de facto moratorium,” he stated.
According to Lekatile, inmates on death row are largely excluded from rehabilitation programmes and are often left without meaningful engagement. “This category of inmates hardly benefits from reform initiatives. That’s the current policy, but it can change if the laws are reviewed,” he added.
He also warned of rising tensions within correctional centres, as some death row prisoners demand larger food rations than other inmates. “The government only approves a single ration per inmate. That difference in expectation is a security risk for custodial superintendents,” he said.
The NCoS official called for urgent reforms, including a review of capital punishment laws and increased funding to improve conditions in correctional facilities. “If these issues are not addressed, the situation will remain unsustainable,” he concluded.