By Jamiu Yusuf
ABUJA: The Nigerian Correctional Service NCoS has debunked reports claiming that its personnel were compelled to pay ₦350,000 for training certificates, insisting the allegations are baseless and designed to tarnish its image.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Service’s spokesperson, Deputy Controller of Corrections Abubakar Umar, said training or capacity building for officers remains central to NCoS operations and is never subjected to arbitrary or inflated charges.
Umar explained that the only recognized fees are caution charges of ₦1,000 and ₦2,000, stressing that any other demand are outlawed.
He added that the Controller General has repeatedly cautioned against unauthorized levies, citing circulars issued in December 2024 and July 2025.
Addressing claims that the NCoS cooperative society had been converted into a “cash cow,” the Service maintained that the cooperative is strictly a welfare scheme for officers, retirees, and families of fallen personnel. It emphasized that all disengaged staff have received their full benefits without backlog.
The statement further noted that the cooperative runs a licensed microfinance bank to provide financial support to members and also owns COCOS Hotel along Airport Road in Abuja—an initiative that creates employment for youths and has drawn commendations from the public.
