By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has intensified efforts to improve healthcare delivery, mental wellbeing and the overall welfare of inmates, with the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, reaffirming the Service’s commitment to expanding access to quality medical care, particularly for vulnerable inmates.
Speaking during the flag-off of the second quarter 2026 nationwide distribution of essential drugs and medicaments to Commands and custodial centres across the country, Nwakuche said the initiative demonstrates the Service’s resolve to provide humane custody and quality healthcare in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.
The Controller-General disclosed that the Service is placing special emphasis on the healthcare needs of female inmates, describing them as one of the most vulnerable groups within correctional facilities.
He said his administration has prioritised menstrual hygiene management and other gender-specific sanitary needs to safeguard their dignity and wellbeing.
Nwakuche also revealed that the Service is working towards enrolling inmates in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to ensure sustainable access to quality healthcare in custodial centres nationwide.
According to him, while some state governments have already enrolled inmates under their respective state health insurance schemes, discussions have reached an advanced stage to secure nationwide coverage through the National Health Insurance Authority.
He explained that the quarterly distribution of essential medicines forms part of a broader healthcare reform programme designed to strengthen medical services, reduce disease burden, improve mental health support, and enhance the rehabilitation and reformation of inmates.
The Assistant Controller-General of Corrections in charge of Medical Services, Glory Essien, described the nationwide drug distribution as a major milestone in the Service’s healthcare reform agenda.
She said the intervention would significantly improve inmates’ health and wellbeing while helping to reduce the incidence of epidemics and communicable diseases across custodial facilities. Essien also urged caregivers and medical personnel in all Commands to ensure that the medicines are used judiciously, transparently and strictly for approved medical purposes.
Also speaking, the Assistant Controller-General of Corrections in charge of Pharmacy, Muhammed Bashir, said the Service has institutionalised a comprehensive monitoring and reporting system to guarantee accountability in the utilisation of pharmaceuticals distributed to Commands.
He explained that the framework provides effective oversight of drug management, promotes transparency in the handling of pharmaceutical supplies, and ensures that the medications reach the intended inmate beneficiaries across the country.
Nwakuche expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for correctional reforms and commended the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his sustained commitment and strategic interventions aimed at improving healthcare delivery and inmate welfare.
The Controller-General reaffirmed the Nigerian Correctional Service’s commitment to sustaining reforms that protect inmates’ health, dignity and mental wellbeing while advancing its core mandates of safe custody, rehabilitation, reformation and successful reintegration into society.
