We supply sanitary pads to female inmates monthly – NCoS

From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) FCT Command has refuted claims that female inmates in the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Suleja, Niger State, are not catered for, saying that NCoS supplies sanitary pads and hygiene kits to all female inmates at no cost, with monthly distribution recorded in the inmates’ welfare registers.

In a statement, the Public Relations Officer of NCoS, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Adamu Samson Duza, said that the custodial centres have a designated healthcare unit with qualified nurses and doctors that attend to the medical needs of female inmates, including menstrual-related issues, with free consultations, medications, and referrals to nearby hospitals when required.

The service, he said, also collaborates with development partners, civil society organisations, and faith-based groups that regularly donate sanitary products and conduct menstrual-hygiene awareness sessions.

“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.

“NCoS, FCT Command, 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.

“The service hereby advises reporters to confirm sources of their information regarding the NCoS before going to press in order not to mislead the general public,” he noted.