Nigeria’s correctional service is facing a critical mental health crisis: 8,246 inmates are currently grappling with psychological disorders, with the system hampered by severe shortages of medical staff and supplies.
Dr. Glory Essien, Assistant Controller-General (Medical Services), revealed this during a federal hearing on rights abuses in custodial centres. She described how the sudden loss of freedom can trigger psychiatric breakdowns, and how the NCoS relies on trained inmate-leaders to flag mental distress amid overwhelming caseloads.
The situation is compounded by funding gaps. Mohammed Bashir, head of pharmaceutical services, noted that although budgets exist, they are far from sufficient. He added that providing sanitary pads to female inmates—which make up only 2.3% of the prison population—costs over ₦4 million monthly.
The Permanent Secretary of the Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, implored medical bodies and pharmaceutical firms to extend their support beyond metropolitan hubs, advocating for a wider distribution of mental health services nationwide.
This internal crisis unfolds against the backdrop of institutional strain, with corrections facilities battling overcrowding, delayed trials, and resource misallocation—highlighting systemic weaknesses in Nigeria’s justice infrastructure.
