The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed reports alleging its personnel were forced to pay ₦350,000 for training certificates, describing the claims as malicious, false, misleading, and an attempt to discredit the Service.
The service said the only approved caution fees are ₦1,000 and ₦2,000, while any demand beyond these had been expressly prohibited.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Public Relations Officer, Deputy Controller of Corrections Abubakar Umar, the Service emphasized that training and retraining of officers remain a core mandate and are not subject to such exorbitant charges.
The Service noted that the Controller General had on several occasions warned against illegal levies, referencing official circulars issued in December 2024 and July 2025.
Reacting to allegations that the NCoS cooperative society had been turned into a “cash cow,” the Service clarified that the cooperative functions solely as a welfare support system for officers, retirees, and families of deceased personnel.
It added that disengaged officers have been receiving their full entitlements, which remain up to date.
The statement further explained that the cooperative operates a licensed microfinance bank to provide financial support for officers, and also owns COCOS Hotel along Airport Road, Abuja—a hospitality venture that has created jobs for youths and earned public commendation.
