The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has acknowledged significant challenges in managing the country’s 3,845 death row inmates, describing the current system as flawed and unsustainable.

Assistant Controller General Cyrus Lekatile presented these concerns on Tuesday during 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.

Lekatile, representing the Deputy Controller General of Corrections Operations, revealed that out of the total number of death row inmates, 81 are female. He identified extreme overcrowding, financial limitations, and the psychological strain of indefinite detention as core issues affecting these prisoners.

He stated, “The high number of inmates on death row contributes significantly to the overcrowding, making it difficult to provide adequate care and rehabilitation programmes.”

He further explained that the uncertainty surrounding the inmates’ fate is a persistent problem, noting, “Inmates on death row often experience prolonged periods of uncertainty. It takes time to determine such appeals. Most times, it takes time also for them to access the prerogative of mercy or clemency.”

Despite assertions by the NCoS about ongoing rehabilitation initiatives, Lekatile admitted that death row inmates are typically excluded from these programmes.

“This class of inmates are generally excluded from benefiting from these programmes. That is the spirit behind that. But this is the position, and this same position can be altered depending on the review of all of these laws and policies,” he said.

The Assistant Controller General also highlighted rising tensions within correctional facilities, fueled by inmates’ demands and misunderstandings.

“They insist that their own ration should be above the other inmates’ ration. Unfortunately, the government only recognises one person’s single ration principle. It poses a security threat to the custodial centre superintendent,” he warned.

The hearing also shed light on the stagnation of the execution process in Nigeria. Although capital punishment is legally sanctioned, political reluctance at the highest levels has resulted in a de facto moratorium.

Lekatile explained, “Governors and, in fact, the president are responsible for signing death warrants, but many of them are reluctant to do so, leading to what is called a de facto moratorium.”

Lekatile further called for reforms in the capital punishment system and urged for a review of related laws as well as increased funding for correctional services.