The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), through its Gender Unit, has launched a nationwide menstrual hygiene awareness campaign in commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, beginning at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Suleja.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Service Gender Advisor and Convener of the programme, Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) Sheyindemi Adenike, Ph.D, brought together partner organisations and stakeholders to promote menstrual health awareness, provide health education, and distribute sanitary products and dignity kits to female inmates.
Welcoming participants to the event, the Officer-in-Charge of MSCC Suleja, Assistant Controller of Corrections SA Ejeh, commended the collaboration between the Service and partner organisations, while reaffirming the Nigerian Correctional Service’s commitment to the welfare, dignity, and wellbeing of women in custody.
In her remarks, the NCoS Gender Adviser and Convener of the programme, ACC Sheyindemi Adenike, Ph.D, commended the female inmates for maintaining good personal hygiene, noting that their appearance reflected proper self-care and discipline. She also enlightened participants on the menstrual cycle and the physical and hormonal changes women experience at different stages of life.
She further spoke extensively on pre-menopausal symptoms, their effects on women, and practical ways of managing them, encouraging inmates to remain positive, healthy, and confident at all times.
Speaking during the programme, Mrs. Nwankwo Chioma Emika, Co-Founder of Flow with Pride Impact Hub, applauded the Nigerian Correctional Service for supporting initiatives that advance menstrual health and hygiene for incarcerated women.
“Access to menstrual hygiene products is essential to the health and dignity of every woman,” she stated.
She also praised the cleanliness of the custodial facility and the wellbeing of the female inmates, describing it as evidence of proper care and attention by the authorities.
Also speaking, Oladipupo Khadija of MESH (Mission Education Social and Health), a faith-based organisation under the Supreme Council for Islamic Organisations, emphasized that menstrual hygiene aligns with Islamic teachings on cleanliness, dignity, and personal care.
Similarly, Mrs. Alachi Regina, Programme Manager of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, commended the Nigerian Correctional Service and its partners for embracing the initiative and creating a supportive and healthy environment for women in custody.
Guest speaker, Mrs. Christopher Oluchi, encouraged inmates to speak openly about menstruation and prioritize personal hygiene practices.
“There can be no menstrual hygiene without open conversations,” she said.
She stressed the importance of regular changing of sanitary pads, proper hand washing, safe disposal of sanitary materials, and seeking medical attention whenever necessary.
Across custodial centres nationwide, the commemoration featured sensitisation campaigns, health talks, counselling sessions, and the distribution of dignity kits to female inmates, further reinforcing the Service’s commitment to gender inclusion, humane custody, health education, and inmate wellbeing.
The Nigerian Correctional Service reaffirmed its dedication to promoting health education, gender-sensitive reforms, and improved welfare for inmates across custodial centres in the country.
E-Signed
Public Relations Unit,
NCoS HQ, Abuja
4th June, 2026