A former spokesperson of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Dr Francis Enobore, has urged state governments to adopt more non-custodial measures to address overcrowding in correctional centres nationwide.
Enobore said recent data showing that most inmates are being held for state-related offences highlights the need for state authorities to accelerate justice delivery and make greater use of alternatives to imprisonment. According to him, over 65 per cent of inmates are currently awaiting trial, contributing significantly to congestion in custodial facilities.
He noted that excessive reliance on imprisonment, especially for minor offences, places a heavy burden on correctional infrastructure and public finances. He warned that overcrowded facilities can hinder rehabilitation efforts and expose minor offenders to more hardened criminals.
The retired corrections officer called for wider adoption of measures such as community service, probation, restorative justice and other non-custodial sanctions. He also advocated a national stakeholders’ meeting to develop long-term solutions that promote justice, rehabilitation and public safety.
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