The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has announced plans to commence monthly psychiatric evaluations for all prison inmates across the country starting November 2025.
The Vice President I of the association, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a visit to the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). The visit also featured the donation of reusable sanitary pads to female inmates nationwide. The initiative was supported by Diatom Impact/Platform Capital, a Nigerian manufacturer of the sanitary products.
Olowojebutu explained that the psychiatric evaluations would provide inmates with essential mental health support, while the sanitary pad donation would promote the dignity and wellbeing of women in custody.
“Today marks a great day for me personally. In July, we met with the investigative panel and heard touching revelations about the conditions of inmates, especially concerning women’s hygiene. I vowed then that NMA would provide sanitary pads to support them,” he said.
He added that the association’s findings indicated a need for 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. Together with our partners at Diatom Impact/Platform Capital, we remain committed to being our brothers’ keepers,” Olowojebutu said.
In his remarks, the Controller-General of the NCoS, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, commended the NMA for its dedication to improving inmate welfare and for sustaining its partnership with the service.
He highlighted the significance of the donation and the planned mental health support, noting: “Our inmates are not the dregs of society. They come from all walks of life and deserve opportunities for rehabilitation. We must continue to involve NGOs and well-meaning Nigerians to make life better and more meaningful for them.”
Nwakuche also praised Diatom Impact/Platform Capital for establishing an incubation centre at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, where inmates receive training and certification in digital skills, including Cisco programmes.
Dr. Akintoye Akindele, Chairman of Diatom Impact/Platform Capital, said supporting inmates is a moral obligation. “Many find themselves in prison due to circumstances beyond their control. Everyone deserves dignity, hope, and a chance at life. Partnering with the NMA is an honour because they are true heroes building the nation,” he said.
Akindele emphasized that inmates should not be treated as outcasts. “Prisoners are human beings first. They are in correctional facilities to learn and become better. We must build a country that treats every life with dignity,” he added.
