The Federal Government has intensified efforts to decongest prisons nationwide as it seeks to fast-track judicial processes and tackle the rising number of inmates languishing in custody without trial.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed this on Wednesday during an inspection of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja.

Tunji-Ojo said the government, in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), is working to address systemic delays in the justice system that have left thousands of suspects in prolonged detention.

“We are reviewing cases of inmates who have spent more time awaiting trial than they would have if already convicted,” he stated.

At the Kuje facility, he disclosed, over 200 inmates have been convicted, while about 804 are awaiting trial, a disparity he described as “unacceptable.”

The minister assured that innovative strategies are being designed to reduce prison congestion, promising a “drastic reduction” in awaiting-trial inmates in the coming weeks.

Highlighting that the problem extends beyond Kuje, Tunji-Ojo noted that over 240 correctional centres across the country are affected. The ministry plans inspection visits to facilities outside the Federal Capital Territory to assess conditions and identify urgent intervention areas.

“We want to see things firsthand so that the ministry, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and other stakeholders can intervene effectively,” he said, commending correctional service personnel for maintaining order despite operational challenges.

Accompanying the minister, NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) said the association has requested updated data on inmates awaiting trial to determine their legal status and guide interventions.

“This will enable the NBA to establish new units and ensure lawyers can assist inmates who have spent longer in custody than necessary,” Osigwe explained. He added that the NBA remains committed to collaborating with the Ministry of Interior, the AGF, and other stakeholders to review pending cases, facilitate bail, and ease congestion in correctional facilities nationwide.