The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NIS) has received large consignment of drugs to cater for the health needs of its inmates.

The state Controller of Prisons, Mr Tunde Ladipo, said the medications would be distributed among the five prisons in Lagos State.

The five prison formations in Lagos State are Maximum, Medium, Female (all in Kirikiri), Ikoyi and Badagry.

He said that it was the first time the command was receiving such large consignment of medications from NIS headquarters in several years.

Ladipo said that prisons in Lagos had until now lacked essential drugs for sick inmates, forcing the command to seek assistance from NGOs and religious bodies.

““I am highly elated because we have been having problems with drug supply in the time past.

““I am very surprised because this is the first time we will have this kind of consignment in many years.

““These are very expensive drugs that cover all kinds of ailments,” the prisons boss said.

He commended the Comptroller General of Prisons, Alhaji Ja’ afaru Ahmed, for the procurement of drugs and improvement of welfare of inmates and staff in his bid to reform the service.

“”Lagos State have the largest supply because of our population, as you can see the drugs are many, so the doctors and nurses will have enough drugs to administer on inmates who are sick,’’ Ladipo said.

There are over 8,600 inmates in the five prisons in Lagos State.