By Our Correspondent
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched a nationwide menstrual hygiene awareness campaign for female inmates as part of activities marking World Menstrual Hygiene Day, reaffirming its commitment to the health, dignity, and wellbeing of women in custody.
The campaign, coordinated by the NCoS Gender Unit, commenced at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Suleja, and featured health education sessions, counselling, sensitisation programmes, and the distribution of sanitary products and dignity kits to female inmates.
According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Unit of the Nigerian Correctional Service Headquarters in Abuja, the initiative was spearheaded by the Service Gender Adviser and Convener of the programme, Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) Dr. Sheyindemi Adenike, in collaboration with partner organisations and key stakeholders.
Welcoming participants to the event, the Officer-in-Charge of MSCC Suleja, Assistant Controller of Corrections S.A. Ejeh, commended the collaboration between the Service and its partners, while reaffirming the commitment of the Nigerian Correctional Service to safeguarding the welfare, dignity, and wellbeing of women in custody.
In her remarks, Dr. Adenike praised the female inmates for maintaining high standards of personal hygiene, noting that their appearance reflected discipline and proper self-care. She also educated participants on menstrual health, the menstrual cycle, and the physical and hormonal changes women experience at various stages of life.
The NCoS Gender Adviser further discussed pre-menopausal symptoms, their impact on women, and practical strategies for managing them, encouraging inmates to remain healthy, positive, and confident.
Speaking during the programme, Mrs. Nwankwo Chioma Emika, Co-Founder of Flow with Pride Impact Hub, lauded the Nigerian Correctional Service for supporting initiatives that promote menstrual health among incarcerated women.
“Access to menstrual hygiene products is essential to the health and dignity of every woman,” she said.
Emika also commended the cleanliness of the custodial facility and the wellbeing of the female inmates, describing it as evidence of proper care and attention by correctional authorities.
Also speaking, Oladipupo Khadija of Mission Education Social and Health (MESH), a faith-based organisation under the Supreme Council for Islamic Organisations, emphasized that menstrual hygiene is consistent with Islamic teachings on cleanliness, dignity, and personal care.
Similarly, Mrs. Alachi Regina, Programme Manager of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, praised the Nigerian Correctional Service and its partners for creating a supportive environment that promotes the health and wellbeing of women in custody.
Guest speaker, Mrs. Christopher Oluchi, encouraged inmates to break the silence surrounding menstruation and embrace healthy hygiene practices.
“There can be no menstrual hygiene without open conversations,” she said.
She highlighted the importance of regularly changing sanitary pads, maintaining proper hand hygiene, safely disposing of menstrual materials, and seeking medical attention when necessary.
The statement noted that similar activities were held across custodial centres nationwide, including health talks, awareness campaigns, counselling sessions, and the distribution of dignity kits to female inmates.
The Nigerian Correctional Service said the initiative reflects its broader commitment to gender inclusion, humane custody, health education, and inmate welfare, while reaffirming its dedication to implementing gender-sensitive reforms across correctional facilities in the country.
The statement was signed by the Public Relations Unit of the Nigerian Correctional Service Headquarters, Abuja, and dated June 4, 2026.
