The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has rejected claims that its officers were required to pay ₦350,000 for the issuance of training certificates.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the Service Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, described the report as false, misleading, and designed to misinform the public while discrediting the Service. He also dismissed suggestions that the Service’s cooperative society was being run as a “cash cow.”
Umar stressed that capacity building through training and retraining remains a central part of the Service’s professional development goals. He explained that the NCoS has never authorised or approved any charges beyond the established caution fees of ₦1,000 and ₦2,000.
According to him, staff welfare under the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda has been enhanced and remains a priority. He further noted that the Controller-General, Sylvester Nwakuche, has repeatedly warned against any form of illegal charges, citing official circulars dated December 11, 2024, and July 8, 2025.
Addressing concerns about the cooperative society, Umar clarified that it exists to support the welfare of retired and deceased officers, with entitlements fully disbursed to beneficiaries. He added that the cooperative also runs a microfinance bank to provide financial support for personnel and operates COCOS Hotel in Abuja, which creates jobs for youths and offers hospitality services for travellers.
“The hotel, located along Airport Road, has earned praise from Nigerians and serves as a hub for visitors on transit,” Umar said.