NCoS dismisses claims of N350,000 personnel training certificate fees as baseless

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has strongly dismissed reports alleging that its officers were compelled to pay N350,000 for the issuance of training certificates, describing the claims as false, misleading and aimed at undermining the integrity of the Service.

In a statement signed by the Corrections Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar, the Service insisted that the report published by an online news outlet (not Daily Times) was “baseless” and urged the public to disregard the claims.

“The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has been drawn to a recent media report by Sahara Reporters alleging that prison officers were compelled to pay the sum of N350,000 for issuance of training certificates and further insinuations that the Service’s cooperative society has been converted into a so-called ‘cash cow’,” the statement read.

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The NCoS clarified that training and retraining of officers remained a core component of its professional development mandate, and at no time had it authorized or permitted the collection of such sums. It emphasized that the only approved payments remained the N1,000 and N2,000 caution fees.

“Training and retraining of officers form a core component of the NCoS professional development mandate. At no time has the Service authorized, or permitted the collection of any fees aside the payment of N1,000.00 and N2,000.00 caution fees respectively,” Abubakar explained.

The Service further assured that under the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, staff welfare had been significantly upgraded and remains a top priority.

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It recalled that the Controller General had consistently warned against unauthorized charges, referencing circulars NCoS.005/S.48/V/84 of 11th December 2024 and NCoS.005/S.203/TI/37 of 8th July 2025.

On allegations against its cooperative society, the Service clarified that the body functions as a fallback welfare system for retired and deceased personnel, stressing that dismissed officers also receive their entitlements upon disengagement.

“Presently, all payments of entitlement to beneficiaries are up to date,” it stated.

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Highlighting its welfare initiatives, NCoS explained that the cooperative operates a Microfinance Bank which provides soft-landing for officers, and also established COCOS Hotel along Airport Road, Abuja.

The facility, it noted, not only generates income but also provides jobs for youths and has received commendations from members of the public.

“The cooperative operates a Microfinance Bank that provides financial soft-landing for officers and hospitality initiative by establishing COCOS Hotel as it provided employment opportunities for many youths, and attracted commendations from many Nigerians,” the Service said.

While condemning the report, NCoS urged journalists to always verify facts before publication.

“The Service hereby advise reporters 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,” the statement concluded.