NCoS Expands Inmate Healthcare, Targets NHIS Coverage, Mental Health Support Nationwide
prioritises female inmates’ welfare as second-quarter distribution of essential medicines begins across custodial centres
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has intensified efforts to improve healthcare delivery in custodial centres nationwide, with a renewed focus on enrolling inmates into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), strengthening mental health services, and addressing the healthcare needs of female inmates.
The initiative was unveiled by the Controller-General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, during the flag-off of the second-quarter 2026 nationwide distribution of essential drugs and medicaments to Commands and custodial facilities across the country.
The development was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Nigerian Correctional Service and signed by the Service Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections J.N. Osuji, on July 29, 2026.
Speaking at the ceremony, CGC Nwakuche said the quarterly distribution of essential medicines reflects the Service’s commitment to providing humane custody and quality healthcare in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.
He explained that the programme forms part of a broader healthcare reform agenda designed to improve inmates’ wellbeing, reduce disease burden, strengthen mental health support and facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration.
The Controller-General disclosed that his administration has placed particular emphasis on the welfare of female inmates, whom he described as one of the most vulnerable groups within custodial facilities.
According to him, the Service has prioritised menstrual hygiene management and other gender-specific healthcare needs to preserve the dignity and wellbeing of women in custody.
“The initiative underscores the Service’s resolve to provide humane custody and quality healthcare in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019,” Nwakuche said.
The CGC also revealed that the Service is making significant progress toward securing the enrolment of inmates into the National Health Insurance Scheme to guarantee sustainable access to quality healthcare across correctional facilities.
He noted that while several state governments have already enrolled inmates into their respective state health insurance schemes, discussions are at an advanced stage to achieve nationwide coverage through the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
“We are intensifying efforts to secure the inclusion of inmates in the National Health Insurance Scheme to ensure sustainable access to quality healthcare across all custodial centres,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Assistant Controller-General of Corrections in charge of Medical Services, Glory Essien, described the nationwide distribution of essential medicines as a major milestone in the Service’s healthcare reform programme.
She said the intervention would significantly improve inmates’ health while reducing the incidence of communicable diseases and epidemics within custodial facilities.
Essien urged medical personnel and caregivers across all Commands to ensure the judicious use of the medicines strictly for approved medical purposes.
The Assistant Controller-General in charge of Pharmacy, Muhammed Bashir, said the Service has established a comprehensive monitoring and reporting framework to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilisation of pharmaceutical supplies.
According to him, the accountability mechanism guarantees that all drugs distributed reach their intended beneficiaries and are used exclusively for inmate healthcare.
The Controller-General 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 strategic interventions aimed at improving healthcare delivery and inmate welfare.
Nwakuche reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Correctional Service to sustaining reforms that protect inmates’ health, dignity and mental wellbeing while advancing the core correctional objectives of safe custody, rehabilitation, reformation and successful reintegration into society.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service remains committed to sustaining reforms that protect the health, dignity, mental wellbeing and overall welfare of inmates while advancing the core correctional mandates of safe custody, rehabilitation, reformation and successful reintegration into society,” the Controller-General said.
