L-R, The Controller- General Of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, Receiving Some Medical Literature Materials from The Deputy Controller General (DCG), Incharge of Health And Welfare Mohammed idris, During the flag-Off of the Second Phase of the 2026 Nationwide distribution of Essentials drugs and Medicaments to Commands and Custodial Facilities Across the Country Yesterday Wednesday 28th July, 2026 At the Nigerian Correctional Service Headquarters, Abuja.
The Controller-General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Correctional Service’s commitment to strengthening inmate healthcare, with special emphasis on the welfare of female inmates, mental health services for vulnerable inmates, and the enrolment of inmates into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Speaking at the flag-off of the second phase of the 2026 nationwide distribution of essential drugs and medicaments to Commands and custodial facilities across the country, the Controller-General stated that 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.
Describing female inmates as one of the most vulnerable groups within custodial facilities, CGC Nwakuche said his administration has deliberately prioritised their unique healthcare needs, particularly menstrual hygiene management and other gender-specific sanitary requirements, as part of efforts to uphold their dignity and wellbeing.
He further disclosed that the Service is 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.
According to the Controller-General, while a number of 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.
He noted that the quarterly distribution of essential medicines forms part of a broader healthcare reform agenda aimed at strengthening medical services, reducing the burden of disease, improving mental health support, and enhancing the rehabilitation and reformation of inmates.
Also speaking, the Assistant Controller-General of Corrections in charge of Medical Services, Glory Essien, described the nationwide distribution of essential drugs as a significant milestone in the Service’s healthcare reform agenda. She noted that the intervention would substantially enhance inmates’ health and wellbeing while reducing the incidence of epidemics and other communicable diseases across custodial centres. ACG Essien further charged caregivers and medical personnel in all Commands to ensure the judicious and accountable use of the medicaments strictly for their intended medical purposes, in line with established professional and ethical standards.
Speaking on accountability, the Assistant Controller-General of Corrections in charge of Pharmacy, Muhammed Bashir, disclosed that the Service has institutionalised a robust monitoring and reporting mechanism to ensure that all medications distributed to Commands are utilised strictly for inmate healthcare.
He explained that the accountability framework provides effective oversight of drug utilisation, guarantees transparency in the management of pharmaceutical supplies, and ensures that the medicines reach the intended beneficiaries in custodial centres nationwide.
The Controller-General expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support for correctional reforms. He also commended the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his sustained commitment and strategic interventions, which have continued to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve inmate welfare across the Nigerian Correctional Service.
CGC Nwakuche reaffirmed the Service’s commitment 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.
JN Osuji
Chief Superintendent of Corrections
Service Public Relations Officer
29th July, 2026