August 27, 2025 – Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has denied recent allegations published by Sahara Reporters that prison officers were forced to pay N350,000 for training certificates and that its cooperative society was being used as a “cash cow”.
In a statement, the Service described the claims as “mis-leading and baseless, aimed at misinforming the public and undermining the integrity of the Service.”
According to the Nigerian Correctional Service, training and retraining of officers remain a key part of its professional development program. It explained that no such payments of N350,000 have ever been authorized. Instead, only caution fees of N1,000 and N2,000 are collected officially.
“The welfare of staff under the President’s renewed hope agenda has been upgraded and made a top priority,” the statement noted. The Controller General has also warned against any form of illegal charges, citing directives with reference numbers NCoS.005/S.48/V/84 dated 11th December 2024 and NCoS.005/S.203/TI/37 dated 8th July 2025.
On the issue of the cooperative society, the Service clarified that it functions as a welfare support system for retired and deceased personnel. It added that officers who are dismissed from service receive their full entitlements upon disengagement. “Presently, all payments of entitlement to beneficiaries are up to date,” the statement confirmed.
The Service also highlighted that the cooperative operates a Microfinance Bank that offers financial assistance to officers. In addition, it manages COCOS Hotel along Airport Road in Abuja.
The hotel, it explained, provides employment opportunities for youths and offers resort services for travelers during transit. The initiative has attracted commendations from Nigerians for its role in supporting both staff and the wider community.
The Nigerian Correctional Service further advised journalists to verify reports before publication. “Reporters are advised to confirm sources of their information regarding the Nigerian Correctional Service via the Complaint Response Desk email complaintresponsedesk@corrections.gov.ng before going to press,” it stated.
The Service stressed that its focus remains on staff development, welfare, and transparency in line with government reforms, and dismissed the recent publication as unfounded.