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 stated 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.
According to a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections Jane Osuji, the initiative is aimed at strengthening inmate healthcare, with special emphasis on the welfare of female inmates, mental health services and access to quality medical care.
Speaking at the event, the Controller-General said the proposed inclusion of inmates in the NHIS would provide sustainable access to healthcare in correctional facilities.
Nwakuche added that while some states had already enrolled inmates into their respective health insurance schemes, discussions were progressing towards achieving nationwide coverage.
“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,” he said.
The corrections boss said the distribution of essential medicines formed part of a broader healthcare reform agenda designed to improve medical services and support inmate rehabilitation.
“He noted that the quarterly distribution of essential medicines forms part of a broader healthcare reform agenda aimed at strengthening medical services, reducing the burden of disease, improving mental health support, and enhancing the rehabilitation and reformation of inmates,” the statement added.
Nwakuche also said his administration had prioritised the healthcare needs of female inmates, describing them as one of the most vulnerable groups in custodial facilities.
“Describing female inmates as one of the most vulnerable groups within custodial facilities, CGC Nwakuche said his administration has deliberately prioritised their unique healthcare needs, particularly menstrual hygiene management and other gender-specific sanitary requirements, as part of efforts to uphold their dignity and wellbeing.”
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 enhance inmates’ health and wellbeing while reducing the incidence of epidemics and other communicable diseases across custodial centres.”
Essien also urged caregivers and medical personnel to ensure that the medicines were 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 institutionalised a robust monitoring mechanism to ensure accountability in the use of the distributed drugs.
He explained that the framework would “provide effective oversight of drug utilisation, guarantee transparency in the management of pharmaceutical supplies, and ensure that the medicines reach the intended beneficiaries in custodial centres nationwide.”
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.
