The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has denied reports that it demands ₦350,000 from personnel for training certificates, describing the allegation as entirely false and aimed at tarnishing the image of the Service.
In a statement on Wednesday, Deputy Controller of Corrections and NCoS Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, said the claim was misleading and lacked any factual basis.
He stressed that the training and retraining of officers is a fundamental part of the Service’s operations and is not monetised.
“The only officially approved caution fees are ₦1,000 and ₦2,000. Any collection beyond these figures is expressly prohibited,” Umar said.
He noted that the Controller General had, through circulars issued in December 2024 and July 2025, repeatedly warned against the imposition of unauthorized levies on personnel.
Addressing further claims that the NCoS cooperative society had become a “cash cow,” the Service clarified that the cooperative exists solely to provide welfare support for officers, retirees, and families of deceased staff.
The statement added that disengaged officers have been receiving their full entitlements and that payments are up to date.
Umar also noted that the cooperative society operates a licensed microfinance bank and runs COCOS Hotel along Airport Road, Abuja.
These ventures, he said, serve public welfare interests, generate employment, and have received positive feedback from stakeholders.
