By Palma Ileye
Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Capital Territory, NCoS, FCT, Command, has refuted claims of neglecting female inmates’ menstrual care saying that this claim was false, misleading, and does not reflect the reality on the ground.
This clarification was made in a press release signed by DSC Adamu Samson Duza, Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command and made available to newsmen in Abuja.
It stated, “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.”
The statement noted that 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.
It stated that Custodial Centres has 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.
According to the statement, the Service also collaborated with development partners, civil society organizations, and faith-based groups that regularly donate sanitary products and conduct menstrual-hygiene awareness sessions adding that recently the Service received a donation of sanitary pads from the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, to promote menstrual hygiene, amongst others and this was a testament of the power of collaboration.
The Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT 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.
The Service also advised reporters to confirm sources of their information regarding the Nigerian Correctional Service before going to press in order not to mislead the general public.
