NCoS Flags Off Nationwide Drug Distribution to Boost Inmate Healthcare
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has commenced the second quarter 2026 nationwide distribution of essential drugs and medicaments to custodial centres, reaffirming its commitment to improving inmate healthcare, mental wellbeing and rehabilitation across the country.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Wednesday, the Controller-General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, said the initiative is part of ongoing reforms aimed at ensuring humane custody and quality healthcare for inmates in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.
Nwakuche said the Service has prioritised the healthcare needs of female inmates, describing them as one of the most vulnerable groups in custodial facilities. He noted that efforts are being intensified to provide menstrual hygiene products and other gender-specific sanitary items to protect their dignity and wellbeing.
The Controller-General also disclosed that the Service is working towards enrolling inmates in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to guarantee sustainable access to quality healthcare in correctional facilities nationwide.
He explained that while some state governments have already enrolled inmates into their respective state health insurance schemes, discussions are at an advanced stage to achieve nationwide coverage under the National Health Insurance Authority framework.
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According to him, the quarterly distribution of essential medicines forms part of a broader healthcare reform agenda designed to strengthen medical services, reduce disease burden, improve mental health support and enhance the rehabilitation and reformation of inmates.
“The initiative underscores our commitment to safeguarding the health, dignity and wellbeing of inmates while advancing the correctional mandates of safe custody, rehabilitation, reformation and successful reintegration into society,” he said.
Also speaking, the Assistant Controller-General of Corrections in charge of Medical Services, Glory Essien, described the exercise as a major milestone in the Service’s healthcare reform programme.
She said the distribution of essential medicines would significantly improve inmates’ health while helping to prevent outbreaks of communicable diseases across custodial centres.
Essien urged caregivers and medical personnel in all Commands to ensure the judicious and accountable use of the drugs in line with established professional and ethical standards.
The Assistant Controller-General of Corrections in charge of Pharmacy, Muhammed Bashir, said the Service has institutionalised a robust monitoring and reporting mechanism to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilisation of pharmaceutical supplies.
He said the framework would guarantee that all drugs distributed to Commands are used strictly for inmate healthcare and reach their intended beneficiaries.
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 strategic interventions aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and improving inmate welfare across the Nigerian Correctional Service.
By PRNigeria
