By Victoria Onehi
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has said 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” is not true.
A statement by the Deputy Controller of Corrections Public Relations Officer,Umar Abubakar said
training and retraining of officers form a core component of the NCoS professional development mandate.
Umar said:”At no time has the Service authorised, 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.
“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.”Umar stated.
