The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has revealed that at least 8,246 inmates across the country’s custodial centres are living with mental health conditions, underscoring a growing crisis in prison healthcare.
Assistant Controller General of Corrections in charge of Medical Services, Dr Glory Essien disclosed the figure during a public hearing of the Independent Investigative Panel on Alleged Corruption, Abuse of Power, Torture, and Other Inhumane Treatment by the NCoS in Abuja on Tuesday.
“From the moment someone is brought in, the loss of freedom can trigger something,” Essien told the panel. “Some show disturbed behaviour almost immediately, as if something in their mind has shifted.”
She explained that the service trains selected inmate-leaders to detect and report signs of psychological distress, enabling early intervention in overcrowded facilities where one medical officer may serve up to 1,000 inmates. However, she admitted resources were severely stretched.
“Mental illness is chronic. It’s not like malaria. We face staff shortages, drug supply gaps, and transport challenges daily,” she said.
ACG in charge of pharmaceutical services, Mohammed Bashir, confirmed that the Federal Government funds inmate healthcare but that allocations fall short. “Money has been appropriated, but is it enough? No,” he said, adding that even basic sanitary supplies cost millions monthly.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, appealed for urgent partnerships with the Nigerian Medical Association and private companies. “Please come to Macedonia and help us. We are in dire need of psychiatric and psychological aid beyond Abuja and Lagos,” she urged.
