By Atoyebi Nike
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has disclosed a growing mental health crisis in its custodial centres, revealing that 8,246 inmates are currently living with mental illness.
The figure was presented on Tuesday in Abuja during the third public hearing of the Independent Investigative Panel on Alleged Corruption, Abuse of Power, Torture, and Other Inhumane Treatment by the NCoS.
Assistant Controller General of Corrections in charge of Medical Services, Dr. Glory Essien, told the panel that the sudden loss of freedom upon incarceration often triggers psychological distress.
“That instant loss of freedom can trigger something. Some begin to show signs of disturbed behavior almost immediately,” she said.
Essien explained that trained inmate-leaders help staff identify those exhibiting mental health symptoms, but with limited staff often just one doctor, nurse, or psychologist for hundreds of inmates, many cases are missed.
She also highlighted chronic shortages of medication, logistical hurdles, and the long-term nature of mental health treatment, noting, “We’re not operating in a five-star environment, but we are committed to upholding the highest standards of our work.”
Assistant Controller General in charge of Pharmaceutical Services, Mohammed Bashir, said a psychological services unit now partners with psychiatric associations to provide care in 12 key facilities. However, drug supplies run out quickly due to inadequate funding.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, urged the Nigerian Medical Association and pharmaceutical companies to assist, stressing the need to deploy mental health professionals beyond Abuja and Lagos.
“PPP arrangements will help us in terms of public-private partnership. We can approach companies that can give us drugs as CSR,” she added.
