The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has denied the recent claim that female inmates across Nigeria’s Correctional Centres are left without sanitary pads and hygiene kits.
According to a statement on Sunday, by DSC Adamu Samson Duza, Public Relations Officer, the claim is false, misleading, and does not reflect the reality on the ground.
The Command disclosed that every female inmate receives supplies of sanitary hygiene kits at no cost on a monthly basis.
It further disclosed that the Centre has designated a healthcare unit with qualified nurses and doctors who attend to the medical needs of female inmates, including menstrual-related issues, with free consultations, medications, and referrals to nearby hospitals when necessary.
“The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) FCT Command, has been drawn to a recent narrative alleging that female inmates across Nigeria are being “left without menstrual care” citing the Medium Security Custodial Centre Suleja. This claim is false, misleading, and does not reflect the reality on the ground.
“In line with its mandate and international best practices, NCoS supplies sanitary pads and hygiene kits to all female inmates at no cost, with monthly distribution recorded in inmates’ welfare registers,” Duza said.
The FCT Command explained that they are also collaborating with development partners, civil society organisations, and faith-based groups that regularly donate sanitary products and conduct menstrual-hygiene awareness sessions for female inmates.
“Recently the service received a donation of sanitary pads from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to promote menstrual hygiene, amongst others. This is a testament of the power of collaboration,” the statement read.
The Command said it remains committed to the dignity and humane treatment of all inmates, in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution, the Nelson Mandela Rules, and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.