Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has enrolled 379 inmates across three custodial centres into the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) Health Insurance Scheme, a move aimed at expanding access to healthcare for persons in custody. The enrolment, which was accompanied by a free medical outreach programme, was conducted at the Kuje, Suleja and Dukpa custodial centres, with the official flag-off held at the Kuje Custodial Centre on Thursday, June 25, 2026. The initiative comes days after allegations surfaced that an inmate at the Kuje Custodial Centre died following delays in receiving treatment over an unpaid hospital bill, a claim the Correctional Service has denied.
The FCT Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service disclosed the development in a statement on Thursday, June 25, 2026, describing it as a major step towards advancing healthcare reforms within the correctional system. According to the statement by its spokesman, A.S. Duza, the programme aligns with the reform agenda of the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, which seeks to ensure the inclusion of inmates in health insurance schemes nationwide. Duza noted that the initiative would guarantee sustained access to essential healthcare services for inmates during incarceration and after their release, thereby supporting rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
During the outreach, inmates and correctional personnel received blood pressure checks, blood glucose testing, malaria screening, eye examinations and medical consultations. A total of 180 prescriptions were filled, while more than 100 inmates benefited from optometry services and eye screenings, with reading glasses distributed to beneficiaries. The medical outreach also provided free consultations, laboratory investigations, radiology services, emergency care and essential drugs at no cost to the inmates.
Speaking at the event, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said the programme reflected the commitment of the FCT Administration to achieving Universal Health Coverage. "This event stands as a testament to our collective mission to achieve Universal Health Coverage, a mandate that emphasises the principle of leaving no one behind. By offering free health checks, we are not only attending to medical needs but also fostering dignity and respect. Through this outreach across Kuje, Suleja and Dukpa Custodial Centres, we are breaking the cycle of neglect and marginalisation often faced by this vulnerable population," Fasawe said.
Also speaking, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for supporting the initiative. He described the enrolment of inmates into the BHCPF as a significant milestone in correctional administration and inmate welfare. "This enrollment into the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and the accompanying medical outreach demonstrate that rehabilitation extends beyond confinement. Access to quality healthcare is fundamental to human dignity and contributes significantly to the reformation, rehabilitation and successful reintegration of inmates into society," Jen said. He added that the Nigerian Correctional Service remains committed to strengthening partnerships that promote humane custody and improve the well-being of all persons entrusted to their care.
The initiative comes amid heightened public scrutiny of healthcare delivery within correctional facilities following reports by an online medium alleging that an inmate died at a government hospital after treatment was delayed because of unresolved payment issues. The FCT Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service denied the allegation, maintaining that inmates are entitled to free healthcare and are never denied treatment due to inability to pay. However, the incident reignited concerns over the quality and accessibility of healthcare services available to persons in custody. The Service said investigations were ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the inmate's death and assured that any operational lapses identified would be addressed.
The correctional service said the programme underscored growing collaboration between the FCT Administration and the Nigerian Correctional Service in advancing correctional reforms and ensuring access to essential healthcare services for inmates in the nation's capital. The NCoS said the programme highlights growing cooperation between the FCT Administration and the correctional service in advancing prison reforms and improving access to healthcare for inmates in the nation's capital.
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