Nigerian Correctional Service Salary And Allowance Structure 2025: How Much Prison Officers Earn Monthly?
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), formerly known as the Nigerian Prisons Service, plays a pivotal role in the country's criminal justice system. As of 2025, with the implementation of the new minimum wage of ₦70,000, there have been significant adjustments to the salary and allowance structures for correctional officers. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at the current remuneration framework, including ranks, salaries, allowances, and other pertinent benefits.
Understanding the NCoS Rank Structure
The NCoS maintains a hierarchical rank structure similar to other paramilitary organizations in Nigeria. The ranks, from the highest to the lowest, are as follows:
- Controller-General of Corrections (CGC)
- Deputy Controller-General of Corrections (DCGC)
- Assistant Controller-General of Corrections (ACGC)
- Controller of Corrections (CC)
- Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC)
- Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC)
- Chief Superintendent of Corrections (CSC)
- Superintendent of Corrections (SC)
- Deputy Superintendent of Corrections (DSC)
- Assistant Superintendent of Corrections I (ASC I)
- Assistant Superintendent of Corrections II (ASC II)
- Senior Inspector of Corrections (SIC)
- Inspector of Corrections (IC)
- Assistant Inspector of Corrections (AIC)
- Corrections Assistant I (CA I)
- Corrections Assistant II (CA II)
- Corrections Assistant III (CA III)
This structured hierarchy ensures clear lines of authority and responsibility within the service.
Updated Salary Structure as of 2025
With the federal government's implementation of the new minimum wage of ₦70,000, the salary structure for NCoS officers has been adjusted accordingly. Below is an updated breakdown of the annual salaries for various ranks:
- Corrections Assistant III (CA III): ₦296,406 – ₦374,289
- Corrections Assistant II (CA II): ₦357,395 – ₦411,494
- Corrections Assistant I (CA I): ₦483,914 – ₦567,965
- Assistant Inspector of Corrections (AIC): ₦898,956 – ₦986,901
- Inspector of Corrections (IC): ₦939,390 – ₦1,056,496
- Senior Inspector of Corrections (SIC): ₦1,012,592 – ₦1,143,599
- Assistant Superintendent of Corrections II (ASC II): ₦1,094,097 – ₦1,252,098
- Assistant Superintendent of Corrections I (ASC I): ₦1,158,172 – ₦1,325,231
- Deputy Superintendent of Corrections (DSC): ₦1,225,594 – ₦1,405,499
- Superintendent of Corrections (SC): ₦1,619,497 – ₦1,825,599
- Chief Superintendent of Corrections (CSC): ₦1,759,991 – ₦1,966,291
- Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC): ₦2,272,298 – ₦2,464,590
Please note that the salaries for higher ranks, such as Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), Controller of Corrections (CC), Assistant Controller-General of Corrections (ACGC), Deputy Controller-General of Corrections (DCGC), and Controller-General of Corrections (CGC), are not publicly disclosed.
These figures represent the basic annual salaries and do not include additional allowances and benefits that officers are entitled to.
Allowances and Benefits
In addition to their basic salaries, NCoS officers receive various allowances and benefits designed to enhance their overall compensation package. Some of these include:
- Housing Allowance: Provided to support accommodation expenses.
- Transport Allowance: Covers the cost of commuting.
- Hazard Allowance: Given the potentially dangerous nature of the job.
- Uniform Maintenance Allowance: For maintaining official uniforms.
- Medical Care: Access to healthcare services for officers and their families.
- Pension and Gratuity: For retirement benefits after years of service.
It's important to note that the exact amounts for these allowances can vary based on rank, location, and specific duties.Additionally, the federal government has shown commitment to implementing peculiar allowances and increasing rent subsidies for paramilitary officers, including those in the NCoS. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasized this commitment, stating that these allowances are embedded in the officers' salaries.
Impact of the New Minimum Wage
The ₦70,000 minimum wage, approved by the Federal Government in 2025, has had a significant impact on the salary structure of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS). Previously, the entry-level pay for Correctional Assistants was far below this amount. With the wage increase, lower-ranking officers such as Corrections Assistant III (CA III) and Assistant Inspector of Corrections (AIC) now receive improved salaries that reflect the current economic realities.
This policy shift has not only enhanced the morale of prison officers but has also improved retention and job satisfaction within the service. Officers can now better cater to their family needs, cover transportation and housing costs, and maintain a more decent standard of living. Additionally, this increase aligns the NCoS pay scale with other security and paramilitary agencies in the country, helping to balance inter-agency parity in compensation.
Promotion and Career Progression
Career growth within the NCoS is determined by a combination of years of service, educational qualifications, performance, and training. Officers who demonstrate competence and dedication are often promoted through the ranks after periodic reviews. For instance:
- A Corrections Assistant III may advance to Corrections Assistant II after a set number of years and successful assessment.
- Graduates entering with higher qualifications can be placed at ASC II or ASC I and rise through the officer cadre ranks more quickly.
- Top-performing officers may also be sent for advanced training or leadership courses at institutions like the Nigerian Correctional Academy.
Promotion not only brings increased responsibilities but also significantly boosts salary and access to better allowances.
Recruitment into the Nigeria Correctional Service
The NCoS conducts periodic recruitment exercises to enlist new officers across all cadres. The recruitment process is typically divided into three main categories:
- General Duty Officers (GD) – Candidates with a minimum of WASSCE/NECO/NABTEB or equivalent can apply.
- Inspectorate Cadre – Requires OND/NCE/HND certificates in relevant fields.
- Superintendent Cadre – Designed for university graduates with B.Sc./B.A. degrees and NYSC discharge certificates.
Recruitment Steps:
- Online application through the NCoS recruitment portal.
- Physical and credential screening.
- Aptitude test and physical fitness assessments.
- Medical examination and final selection.
Successful candidates undergo intensive paramilitary training before official deployment to correctional facilities nationwide.
Training and Development
NCoS officers undergo extensive training to prepare them for the responsibilities of managing correctional centers. These training programs focus on:
- Correctional facility management
- Conflict resolution and rehabilitation strategies
- Human rights and inmate care
- Security and surveillance techniques
The Nigerian Correctional Service Staff College in Kaduna is the main training hub for the service. Additionally, officers often participate in international exchange programs and human rights workshops, further strengthening their knowledge base and operational competence.
Working Conditions and Challenges
Though compensation has improved, correctional officers still face considerable challenges in the line of duty:
- Overcrowded prisons: Many Nigerian correctional facilities operate far above capacity, placing added strain on officers.
- Inmate violence and gang conflicts: Officers are trained to manage dangerous situations and maintain peace within volatile environments.
- Understaffing: The demand for more officers continues to rise as new facilities are established and more inmates are incarcerated.
Despite these issues, the government is investing in modernizing prison infrastructure, recruiting new staff, and digitizing administrative processes to reduce manual bottlenecks.
Pension and Retirement Benefits
Upon retirement, officers of the NCoS are entitled to pension and gratuity payments in line with Nigeria’s federal civil service regulations. The scheme includes:
- Monthly pension based on last salary grade
- Gratuity lump sum paid immediately upon retirement
- Life insurance benefits
- Access to the Federal Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD)
In 2025, efforts were intensified to ensure prompt payment of entitlements and reduce backlogs that previously plagued the system.
Welfare Programs and Support
To further support the wellbeing of its staff, the NCoS has implemented various welfare packages:
- Cooperative societies and loan schemes to help officers acquire land, housing, and other personal development assets.
- Health insurance coverage for serving officers and their families under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
- Scholarships and educational support for children of fallen or incapacitated officers.
These programs aim to create a supportive work environment and improve the general standard of living for correctional personnel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the entry-level salary for a Correctional Assistant in 2025?
A: With the ₦70,000 minimum wage now in effect, a Correctional Assistant III earns a monthly salary starting from approximately ₦24,700 to ₦31,100, totaling ₦296,406 to ₦374,289 annually.
Q2: Is the Nigerian Correctional Service currently recruiting?
A: Recruitment drives are periodic and officially announced via the NCoS website and national newspapers. Candidates should regularly check the official portal for updates.
Q3: What academic qualification is required to join NCoS?
A: Qualifications range from SSCE for the CA cadre, OND/NCE for inspectors, and B.Sc./HND/NYSC for superintendent roles.
Q4: Do NCoS officers receive hazard allowances?
A: Yes, officers are paid hazard allowances to compensate for the risks associated with working in correctional facilities.
Q5: Can NCoS officers be transferred to other paramilitary services?
A: No, transfers between paramilitary services are rare and usually require special approval. Officers remain within their appointed agencies unless redeployed by the Federal Civil Service Commission.
Q6: Are there female officers in the Nigeria Correctional Service?
A: Yes, women serve across all ranks and play crucial roles in administration, operations, and inmate rehabilitation programs.
Conclusion
The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) remains a vital institution in ensuring justice, rehabilitation, and security across the country. The updated salary and allowance structure in 2025, especially with the ₦70,000 minimum wage implementation, has greatly improved the financial outlook for prison officers. While the job comes with its unique set of challenges, the benefits, job security, and national service value make it an attractive career option for many Nigerians.
Whether you're a prospective recruit or simply interested in the workings of the Nigerian correctional system, understanding the structure, pay, and progression of officers provides valuable insights into one of Nigeria's most essential security services.
