THE Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed reports alleging that its officers were being compelled to pay as much as ₦350,000 for the issuance of training certificates.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday made available to News Point Nigeria, the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, described the claims, published by an online newspaper (Not News Point Nigeria}, as false, misleading, and designed to tarnish the image of the institution.
“The allegation that officers are forced to pay ₦350,000 for training certification is completely baseless. At no point has the Service authorised or permitted such payments,” Umar said.
According to him, the only approved charges within the system remain the nominal caution fees of ₦1,000 and ₦2,000, depending on the training category.
He stressed that the Service, under the leadership of Controller General Sylvester Nwakuche, has repeatedly warned against the imposition of extra charges, citing official circulars dated December 11, 2024, and July 8, 2025.
Umar reaffirmed that training and retraining of officers is central to the Service’s mandate, noting that staff welfare has been significantly upgraded under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Professional development remains at the heart of NCoS operations. No officer is required to make illegal payments to benefit from training,” he said.
The spokesperson also debunked suggestions that the Service’s cooperative society is exploited as a “cash cow.” He explained that the cooperative was established as a welfare mechanism for staff, particularly retired officers, dismissed staff, and the families of deceased personnel.
He noted that all entitlements to beneficiaries are up-to-date, and added that the cooperative also operates a microfinance bank and other welfare-driven initiatives.
One of its flagship projects, the COCOS Hotel along Airport Road, Abuja, he said, has become a source of pride, providing jobs for Nigerian youths and offering resort services to travelers.
“Rather than being a liability, the cooperative has become an asset to both personnel and the wider public,” Umar stated.
The NCoS spokesperson urged journalists to verify claims before publication, stressing that the Service maintains a Complaint Response Desk for public inquiries.
“The correct channel for clarifications remains our Complaint Response Desk, reachable via complaintresponsedesk@corrections.gov.ng,” he said.
He advised members of the public to disregard the false report, assuring that the Service’s management remains committed to professional standards, transparency, and the welfare of its officers.