Efforts by the Federal Government to reform Nigeria’s correctional system appear to be yielding results, with the number of repeat offenders dropping by 88 per cent over the past two years.
The decline is being seen as a major indicator of progress in ongoing efforts to rehabilitate inmates and support their reintegration into society, amid broader reforms aimed at reducing recidivism and improving outcomes within correctional facilities.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed the figures yesterday, during the presentation of an investigative report on the Nigerian Correctional Service, noting that the number of repeat offenders fell from 11,616 in 2023 to 1,382 in 2025.
According to the Minister, the sharp reduction reflects the impact of rehabilitation and reformation programmes introduced across correctional centres, which are designed to equip inmates with skills, education and support needed to rebuild their lives after incarceration.
“The rate of recidivism has drastically declined from 11,616 inmates in 2023 to 1,382 inmates in 2025, due to intentional rehabilitation efforts. Currently, 62 inmates are pursuing postgraduate studies, 261 are undertaking undergraduate programmes, 1,125 are in ongoing studies, and 9,582 others are participating in non-formal vocational training in various skills,” he said.
According to him, the government views the development as evidence that the correctional system is gradually shifting from a punitive model to one that places greater emphasis on reform, rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.
Tunji-Ojo, however, maintained that more work remains to be done, stressing that the government’s ultimate objective is to reduce recidivism to zero and ensure that former inmates do not return to a life of crime after serving their sentences.
To sustain the gains already recorded, the Minister said an implementation framework and monitoring mechanism would be established to ensure that recommendations contained in the investigative report are fully executed.
He added that continuous evaluation of correctional policies and programmes would be critical to strengthening the Nigerian Correctional Service and improving its capacity to fulfil its mandate of reforming offenders and enhancing public safety.
“Our goal is clear. Never again should our correctional centres be associated with dehumanisation, corruption, or discrimination. They must become places where lives are rebuilt and inmates are prepared as valuable assets for the growth and development of our dear nation,” the minister added.