The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving healthcare delivery for inmates, with renewed emphasis on mental health services, the welfare of female inmates and efforts to secure nationwide health insurance coverage for persons in custody.
Sylvester Nwakuche, controller-general of Corrections, made this known during the flag-off of the second phase of the 2026 nationwide distribution of essential drugs and medicaments to correctional commands and custodial centres across the country.
Nwakuche said the initiative reflects the Service’s determination to provide humane custody and quality healthcare in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, stressing that access to adequate medical care remains central to the rehabilitation and reformation of inmates.
“The quarterly distribution of medicines is part of a broader healthcare reform programme designed to strengthen medical services in custodial centres, reduce the burden of diseases, improve mental healthcare for vulnerable inmates and support their overall wellbeing while in custody”, he explained.
The Controller-General said his administration has placed particular attention on the healthcare needs of female inmates, describing them as one of the most vulnerable groups within correctional facilities.
