The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched a nationwide menstrual hygiene awareness campaign aimed at improving the health, dignity, and wellbeing of female inmates across custodial centres in the country.
According to a statement signed vy the NCoS HQ’s Public Relations Unit, the initiative, coordinated by the Service’s Gender Unit to mark the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, commenced at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Suleja, Niger State, with health education sessions and the distribution of sanitary products and dignity kits to women in custody.
The programme, spearheaded by the Service Gender Adviser and Convener, Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) Dr. Sheyindemi Adenike, brought together development partners and stakeholders to promote menstrual health awareness and encourage open conversations about women’s reproductive health.
Speaking at the event, the Officer-in-Charge of MSCC Suleja, Assistant Controller of Corrections, S.A. Ejeh, praised the collaboration between the correctional service and partner organisations, describing it as a demonstration of the Service’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of female inmates.
Dr. Adenike, in her remarks, commended the inmates for maintaining high standards of personal hygiene, noting that their appearance reflected discipline and proper self-care.
She also educated participants on the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes experienced by women at different stages of life, and the importance of maintaining healthy hygiene practices.
The Gender Adviser further addressed pre-menopausal symptoms, their effects on women, and practical strategies for managing them, urging inmates to remain healthy, confident, and positive.
Also speaking, the co-founder of Flow with Pride Impact8 Hub, Mrs. Nwankwo Chioma Emika, applauded the Nigerian Correctional Service for supporting initiatives that advance menstrual health among female inmates.
“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 adequate care and attention by correctional authorities.
Representing Mission Education Social and Health (MESH), a faith-based organisation under the Supreme Council for Islamic Organisations, Oladipupo Khadija highlighted the connection between menstrual hygiene and Islamic teachings on cleanliness, dignity, and personal care.
Similarly, the Programme Manager of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, Mrs. Alachi Regina, praised the NCoS and its partners for fostering a healthy and supportive environment for women in custody through the initiative.
Guest speaker, Mrs. Christopher Oluchi, encouraged participants to break the silence surrounding menstruation and adopt healthy hygiene practices.
“There can be no menstrual hygiene without open conversations,” she said.
Oluchi stressed the need for regular changing of sanitary pads, proper handwashing, safe disposal of menstrual materials, and prompt medical attention whenever health concerns arise.
According to the NCoS, similar activities were held in custodial centres nationwide, featuring sensitisation campaigns, health talks, counselling sessions, and the distribution of dignity kits to female inmates.
The Service said the initiative underscored its commitment to gender inclusion, humane custody, health education, and the overall welfare of inmates, while reaffirming its dedication to implementing gender-sensitive reforms across correctional facilities in Nigeria.
