The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service has rejected reports suggesting that female inmates across the country are being denied menstrual care, describing the claims as inaccurate and at odds with established procedures within custodial centres.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Command’s spokesperson, DSC Adamu Samson Duza, said the Service maintains full compliance with its responsibilities under national laws and international correctional standards. He explained that sanitary pads and hygiene materials are supplied every month to all female inmates at no cost, with each distribution logged in welfare registers for accountability.
According to him, female custodial facilities are equipped with dedicated healthcare units staffed by qualified nurses and doctors who handle medical issues relating to menstruation and other health needs. He added that inmates receive free consultations, medications and referrals to nearby hospitals whenever specialised attention is required.
Duza also pointed out that the NCoS regularly receives support from development partners, civil society groups and faith-based organisations that donate sanitary products and run menstrual-hygiene awareness sessions. He said a recent donation of sanitary pads from the Nigerian Medical Association was among several interventions that underscore the shared commitment to inmate welfare.
Reaffirming the Service’s position, he said its operations remain fully guided by the Nigerian Constitution, the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners known as the Nelson Mandela Rules and other globally recognised correctional guidelines.
