The Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, has disclosed that discussions are at an advanced stage to secure the enrolment of inmates into the National Health Insurance Scheme as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery across custodial centres nationwide.
Nwakuche disclosed this on Wednesday during 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.
In a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections Jane Osuji, the NCoS said the initiative was aimed at strengthening inmate healthcare, with special focus on female inmates, mental health services and access to quality medical care.
The Controller-General said the proposed inclusion of inmates in the health insurance framework would provide a more sustainable means of ensuring access to medical care in correctional facilities.
According to him, while some state governments had already enrolled inmates in their respective state health insurance schemes, discussions were progressing towards achieving nationwide coverage under the National Health Insurance Authority framework.
“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,” the statement said.
Nwakuche noted that the quarterly distribution of essential medicines formed part of a broader healthcare reform agenda aimed at improving medical services, reducing the burden of disease, strengthening mental health support and enhancing the rehabilitation and reformation of inmates.
He also said his administration had deliberately prioritised the healthcare needs of female inmates, describing them as one of the most vulnerable groups within custodial centres.
According to him, the Service is paying special attention to menstrual hygiene management and other gender-specific sanitary needs as part of efforts to protect the dignity, welfare and wellbeing of female inmates.
The Assistant Controller-General of Corrections in charge of Medical Services, Glory Essien, described the nationwide distribution of essential drugs as a major milestone in the Service’s healthcare reform agenda.
She said the intervention would substantially improve inmates’ health and wellbeing while reducing the incidence of epidemics and communicable diseases across custodial centres.
Essien urged caregivers and medical personnel to ensure that the medicines are used strictly for their intended purposes in line with professional and ethical standards.
Also speaking, the Assistant Controller-General of Corrections in charge of Pharmacy, Muhammed Bashir, said the Service had put in place a robust monitoring mechanism to ensure accountability in the use of the distributed drugs.
Nwakuche expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for supporting correctional reforms and commended the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his interventions aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and improving inmate welfare.
Nwakuche expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for supporting correctional reforms and commended the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his interventions aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and improving inmate welfare.