The Nigerian Medical Association says it will commence monthly psychiatric evaluation for all prison inmates across the country from November 2025.

The NMA vice-president I, Benjamin Olowojebutu, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a visit to the controller-general of the Nigerian Correctional Service. The visit also featured the donation of reusable sanitary pads to all female inmates nationwide.

Mr Olowojebutu said the psychiatric evaluation would ensure that every inmate had access to mental health resources, while the sanitary pad donation would promote the dignity and well-being of female inmates.

“Today marks a great day for me personally. In July, we met with the investigative panel and heard touching revelations about the condition of inmates, especially the hygiene of women. I made a vow that day that NMA would provide sanitary pads to support them,” he said.

He noted that the association’s findings also showed that inmates required consistent psychological support and psychiatric assessment to aid rehabilitation.

“With our continued collaboration with the NCoS, we are confident that the lives of inmates, both male and female, will improve,” stated Mr Olowojebutu. “We have agreed, together with our partners at Diatom Impact/Platform Capital, to continue being our brothers’ keepers.”

NCoS controller-general Sylvester Nwakuche commended the NMA for its commitment to improving the welfare of inmates and for sustaining its partnership with the service. He said the NMA’s donation and its pledge to provide ongoing medical and mental health support showed sincerity and professionalism.

Mr Nwakuche also praised Diatom Impact/Platform Capital for building an incubation centre at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, where inmates are receiving training and certification in digital skills, including Cisco programmes.

“Our inmates are not the dregs of society. They come from all walks of life and deserve opportunities for rehabilitation,” said Mr Nwakuche. “We must continue to involve NGOs and well-meaning Nigerians in making life better and more meaningful for them.”

(NAN)