The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has firmly denied reports alleging that female inmates across the country are being deprived of menstrual care, describing the claim as false, misleading, and inconsistent with the situation in custodial facilities.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Public Relations Officer of the NCoS Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Adamu Duza, said the narrative—citing conditions at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Suleja—does not reflect the reality within the service.
According to Duza, the NCoS provides sanitary pads and hygiene kits to all female inmates at no cost, with monthly distributions properly documented in inmates’ welfare registers. He stressed that the provision aligns with the service’s mandate and international best practices.
He further explained that all custodial centres have designated healthcare units staffed with qualified nurses and doctors who attend to the medical needs of female inmates, including menstrual-related concerns. These services include free consultations, medications, and referrals to neighbouring hospitals when necessary.
Duza added that the NCoS also benefits from partnerships with development organisations, civil society groups, and faith-based bodies that frequently donate sanitary products and conduct menstrual-hygiene awareness programmes. He cited a recent donation of sanitary pads from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) as evidence of ongoing collaboration to support inmate welfare.
Reaffirming its commitment to humane treatment, the NCoS said its operations remain guided by the Nigerian Constitution, the Nelson Mandela Rules, and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
The service urged journalists to verify information before publication to avoid misleading the public on sensitive issues concerning correctional administration.
