Nigerian Correctional Service
In commemoration of the 2025 World Mental Health Day, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has joined the global campaign to promote mental health awareness, launching a series of sensitization and counseling programs across custodial centres nationwide.
The Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, has reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to safeguarding the psychological well-being of inmates as a vital part of the reformation and rehabilitation process.
Flagging off the campaign, with the theme: “Access to Services, Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies”, the NCoS Psychology Unit in collaboration with the Gender Unit organized a sensitization and mental health awareness program for inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kuje, Abuja.
Speaking during the event, ACC Velu Alagoa emphasized the importance of mental stability for inmates' rehabilitation and reintegration into society, noting that "mental health is a critical component of overall well-being. Everyone has mental health, but not everyone has mental stability."
As part of the commemoration, mental health assessments and counseling sessions were conducted by ACC Bennie Igweze, a Clinical Psychologist in the unit. The assessments, allowed inmates to voice concerns and ask questions about their mental health. Also, the Head of the Gender Unit, Assistant Controller of Corrections Adenike Sheyindemi, educated inmates on the dangers of stigmatization and encouraged self-acceptance and personal growth, saying "You have already won the battle by surviving what you've been through. Don’t let anyone define your existence."
In addition, Dr. Abraham Ehizogie, the Resident Medical Officer at the Kuje facility, commended the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche for his commitment to inmate welfare, particularly in healthcare and psychological counseling.
To mark the occasion, correctional formations across all state commands organized lectures, interactive sessions, counseling clinics, and wellness exercises aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations around mental health. Professional counselors, psychologists, and social workers were engaged to sensitize inmates and staff on stress management, emotional resilience, and trauma recovery.
The event underscores the NCoS's commitment to inmate rehabilitation, mental wellness, and social reintegration, aligning with global best practices in correctional administration.
