Rep. Seeks Urgent Custodial Centres Reform
Nkechinyere Ewa
The Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions and Member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. (Comrade) , has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s correctional system following revelations that awaiting trial inmates account for 64 percent of the country’s total custodial population.
Ogah made the call during the 2026 budget defence session after the Comptroller-General of the , , disclosed that pre-trial detainees now constitute 64 percent of inmates across custodial centres nationwide.
Presenting the agency’s 2025 budget performance and 2026 budget estimates before the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Nwakuche said the growing number of awaiting trial inmates has continued to aggravate congestion and overstretch facilities across the country.
He described the Nigeria Correctional Service as a critical component of the nation’s criminal justice system, responsible for both custodial and non-custodial services, including the safe custody of legally detained persons and their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
In his remarks, Ogah expressed concern over the implications of the rising pre-trial population on justice delivery, human rights, and the overall integrity of the criminal justice system. He stressed the need for comprehensive reforms, improved funding, and modernised infrastructure to address the challenges facing correctional facilities.
The lawmaker also called for accelerated presidential assent to the Correctional Service Trust Fund Bill, noting that the proposed legislation would provide sustainable funding to enhance operations and improve conditions within custodial centres.
Ogah reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to strengthening legislative oversight and advancing policies aimed at decongesting correctional facilities, boosting rehabilitation programmes, and repositioning the Nigeria Correctional Service to align with global best practices.
