NCoS Warns of Mental Health Crisis as 8,246 Inmates Suffer Amid Doctor Shortage

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has revealed that 8,246 inmates suffer from mental health conditions across the country’s custodial centres, highlighting a severe shortage of medical staff to address the crisis. During a public hearing in Abuja, Dr. Glory Essien, Assistant Controller General of Corrections (Medical Services), explained that incarceration can trigger mental health problems and that the prison system relies heavily on trained inmate leaders to identify affected individuals. Despite efforts, the scarcity of doctors, nurses, psychologists, and limited drug supplies hamper proper care.

Mohammed Bashir, in charge of pharmaceutical services, confirmed that psychological treatment units exist but are underfunded, with frequent drug shortages. Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, urged the medical community and pharmaceutical companies to support mental health services in prisons, especially in underserved regions outside Abuja and Lagos. She called for transparency, public-private partnerships, and leadership to sustain improvements in inmate healthcare.