The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed reports alleging that female inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Suleja, are being left without sanitary pads and other essential menstrual hygiene items.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Sampson Duza, Command’s Public Relations Officer, described the claims as “false, misleading, and completely detached from the reality on ground.”
According to the statement, the NCoS remains committed to the welfare of all inmates under its supervision, stressing that the agency provides sanitary pads and hygiene kits to female inmates at no cost.
He added that distribution is carried out monthly and documented in the inmates’ welfare registers in line with international best practices.
“Custodial centres have designated healthcare units staffed with qualified nurses and doctors who attend to the medical needs of female inmates, including menstrual-related issues.
“Consultations, medications, and referrals to nearby hospitals when necessary, are offered free of charge”, the statement read.
The Command also highlighted ongoing collaborations with development partners, civil society organisations, and faith-based groups that routinely support female inmates through donations of sanitary products and menstrual hygiene sensitisation.
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It noted that the recent donation of sanitary pads by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) further demonstrates the effectiveness of these partnerships.
Reaffirming its commitment to humane treatment, the FCT Command said its operations align with the Nigerian Constitution, the Nelson Mandela Rules, and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
“The welfare and dignity of inmates remain at the core of our mandate. We will continue to uphold the highest standards of care and transparency in all our custodial practices”, the Command stated.
