The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in Cross River State has raised concerns over the declining number of inmates, stating that the shortage is negatively impacting farming and community service programs.
Speaking at a two-day town hall meeting on the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), Chief Superintendent of Corrections, Mr. Ibiang Otu—who represented the State Controller, Mr. William Frai—revealed that the state currently has only 897 inmates across its six correctional facilities, the lowest in the South-South region.
“In the Adim facility, where we have farm settlements, we currently have only 37 inmates instead of the official capacity of 200,” Otu stated. “We need more inmates to support farming activities. The courts should convict more suspects so they can either contribute to or acquire farming skills. However, we only send young inmates under 30 years old, who have committed minor offenses, for six months of agricultural training.”
While the Calabar Correctional Centre is overcrowded, housing 579 inmates instead of its 450 capacity, other facilities remain underpopulated. Ikom has 69 inmates (capacity: 200), Ogoja has 97 (capacity: 400), Obudu has 43 (capacity: 47), and Obubra has 127 inmates.
Otu attributed the decline in inmate numbers to increased advocacy by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the enforcement of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, which encourages non-custodial sentencing. He also noted that 18 individuals are currently serving community service sentences instead of jail terms but cited logistical challenges in monitoring their compliance.
