Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has debunked recent media report by Sahara Reporters alleging that prison officers were compelled to pay the sum of N350,000 for the issuance of training certificate and further insinuations that the Service’s cooperative society has been converted into a so-called “cash cow”
This was contained in a statement signed by Umar Abubakar, Deputy Controller and Public Relations officer. The statement reads:
“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 Service wishes to categorically state that these allegations are not only misleading but baseless aimed at misinforming the public and undermining the integrity of the Service.
“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. The welfare of Staff under the President’s renewed hope agenda has been upgraded and a top priority. The Controller General has warned in various radio messages against any form of extra charges with reference to NCoS.005/S.48/V/84 dated 11th December ,2024 and NCoS.005/S.203/TI/37 dated 8th July, 2025
“The Cooperative society mentioned in the concoted report serves as a fallback welfare system for retired and deceased personnel, while those who have been dismissed from Service get back their entitlements upon disengagement. Presently, all payments of entitlement to beneficiaries are up to date
“Furthermore,the cooperative operates a Microfinance finance 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 hotel is strategically located along Airport road, Abuja and provides resort services especially during transit periods.
“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”, it also added.
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