Nigerian Correctional Service Addresses Claims on Menstrual Care

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has firmly rejected allegations that female inmates are denied access to menstrual care. This assertion was made in a statement on Sunday by Adamu Duza, the Public Relations Officer for the NCoS Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command. Duza emphasized that the claims regarding the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja are “false and misleading,” asserting that they do not accurately represent the conditions within correctional facilities.

In his statement, Duza highlighted the NCoS’s commitment to providing essential sanitary products and hygiene kits to all female inmates at no charge. He noted that these supplies are distributed monthly and are documented in the inmates’ welfare registers. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that female inmates receive adequate menstrual care, in line with international best practices.

The NCoS has established healthcare units within custodial centres, staffed by qualified nurses and doctors who address the medical needs of female inmates. This includes assistance with menstrual-related issues, where free consultations, medications, and referrals to nearby hospitals are available when necessary.

In addition, the NCoS collaborates with various development partners, civil society organizations, and faith-based groups that regularly contribute sanitary products. Recently, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) made a donation of sanitary pads to promote menstrual hygiene among inmates. Duza described this partnership as a “testament of the power of collaboration” in addressing the needs of incarcerated women.

The NCoS is dedicated to upholding the dignity and humane treatment of all inmates, adhering to the Nigerian Constitution as well as the Nelson Mandela Rules and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. The organization urged journalists to verify their sources before publishing claims regarding the NCoS, to prevent misleading the public.

This clarification from the NCoS aims to assure the public and stakeholders that the rights and health of female inmates are being prioritized, reinforcing the commitment to humane correctional practices in Nigeria.