The Nigerian Correctional Service ranks and salary structure form an essential aspect of career planning for anyone considering a role in this government agency. Understanding how ranks are arranged and what officers earn helps candidates make informed decisions about entry points, growth potential, and responsibilities.
This comprehensive overview breaks down the current Nigerian Correctional Service ranks and salary scale, entry qualifications, monthly compensation, allowances, and relevant historical background.
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Role of the Nigerian Correctional Service
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), previously recognized as the Nigerian Prisons Service, is a federal agency that operates under the Ministry of Interior. It oversees correctional centers across the country and handles both custodial and non-custodial responsibilities, including rehabilitation, parole, and community service enforcement.
With over 240 correctional centers in Nigeria, the service provides vital infrastructure for national security, rehabilitation, and reintegration of offenders into society.
Hierarchical Structure: Nigerian Correctional Service Ranks and Salary System
The Nigerian Correctional Service ranks and salary system is organized based on rank and academic qualification. Officers are classified as either non-commissioned or commissioned, each with clearly defined roles and pay grades.
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)
These positions are suitable for holders of SSCE, NCE, or ND:
- Correctional Assistant III (CA III) – Entry-level for SSCE holders.
- Correctional Assistant II (CA II) – Earns slightly more than CA III.
- Correctional Assistant I (CA I) – Senior among Correctional Assistants.
- Assistant Inspector of Corrections (AIC) – Designed for NCE/ND holders.
- Inspector of Corrections (IC) – Mid-level supervisor with technical duties.
Commissioned Officers
These ranks are available to HND and university graduates:
- Assistant Superintendent of Corrections II (ASC II) – Entry point for most graduates.
- Assistant Superintendent of Corrections I (ASC I) – Follows ASC II after probation or evaluation.
- Deputy Superintendent of Corrections (DSC) – Often a result of several years of experience.
- Superintendent of Corrections (SC) – Manages complex prison operations.
- Chief Superintendent of Corrections (CSC) – Oversees broad administrative tasks.
- Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) – Regional leadership role.
- Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) – State-level control of correctional centers.
- Controller of Corrections (CC) – Manages policy execution across multiple locations.
- Assistant Controller General (ACGC) – Leads one of the six key NCoS directorates.
- Deputy Controller General (DCGC) – Reports to the highest authority in the agency.
- Controller General of Corrections (CGC) – Appointed by the President, the CGC is the overall head of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Monthly Salary Structure: Nigerian Correctional Service Ranks and Salary Chart
The Nigerian Correctional Service ranks and salary framework aligns with the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS), a federal payment system designed for uniformed personnel. Below is a salary estimate for each rank:
| Rank | Monthly Salary (₦) | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Correctional Assistant III (CA III) | ₦30,000 – ₦35,000 | SSCE |
| Correctional Assistant II (CA II) | ₦35,000 – ₦40,000 | SSCE |
| Correctional Assistant I (CA I) | ₦40,000 – ₦45,000 | SSCE/NCE |
| Assistant Inspector (AIC) | ₦45,000 – ₦55,000 | ND/NCE |
| Inspector of Corrections (IC) | ₦55,000 – ₦65,000 | ND/HND |
| ASC II | ₦75,000 – ₦85,000 | BSc/HND |
| ASC I | ₦85,000 – ₦95,000 | BSc/HND |
| DSC | ₦100,000 – ₦120,000 | Graduate with experience |
| SC | ₦120,000 – ₦135,000 | Senior-level officer |
| CSC | ₦140,000 – ₦160,000 | Senior management |
| ACC | ₦170,000 – ₦190,000 | Command role |
| DCC | ₦200,000 – ₦230,000 | Zonal leadership |
| CC | ₦240,000 – ₦270,000 | Strategic leadership |
| ACGC | ₦300,000 – ₦330,000 | Director-level oversight |
| DCGC | ₦350,000 – ₦380,000 | Deputy national commander |
| CGC | ₦400,000 – ₦500,000 | National Commander |
Entry Points Based on Academic Credentials
- SSCE holders: Begin at CA III with a starting monthly salary of ₦30,000 to ₦35,000.
- NCE/ND holders: Start as Assistant Inspectors or Inspectors, earning up to ₦65,000.
- BSc/HND graduates: Typically enter at ASC II with ₦75,000 to ₦85,000 monthly pay.
- Postgraduates/experienced officers: May qualify for DSC roles or higher.
Additional Compensation: Allowances and Welfare Packages
In addition to base pay, officers receive allowances based on location, hazard level, and specific duties. These allowances contribute significantly to total compensation.
- Hazard/Risk Allowance – Reflects the demanding environment of prison facilities.
- Uniform Allowance – Covers purchase and maintenance of required uniforms.
- Housing Benefit – Depends on posting, rank, and availability.
- Transport Allowance – Supports official movement during duty.
- Meal Subsidy – Applicable especially for those on long shifts.
- Duty Tour & Overtime – Compensates for extended service hours or special assignments.
History of Correctional Facilities in Nigeria
Correctional services in Nigeria trace back to 1861 when Lagos was declared a colony. Early establishments, like the Broad Street Prison in 1872, laid the foundation for modern correctional practices.
Throughout the 20th century, several figures contributed to reforming the prison system. Colonel V.L. Mabb initiated efforts to unify prison administration, while R.H. Dolan introduced vocational programs, inmate classification, family visitation, and welfare initiatives.
These efforts culminated in the 2019 Correctional Service Act, which not only renamed the agency but also expanded its duties to include community-based corrections.
Locations of Key Correctional Centers
Major prisons managed by the NCoS include:
- Ikoyi, Kirikiri Maximum, and Kirikiri Medium (Lagos State)
- Kuje Medium (Federal Capital Territory)
- Abakaliki (Ebonyi State)
- Oko (Edo State)
- Yola (Adamawa State)
- Gashua Maximum (Yobe State)
These facilities support the agency’s mission across various states.
NCoS Leadership
The agency falls under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior and the Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration, and Corrections Board. Haliru Nababa currently serves as the Controller General of Corrections, having taken office in February 2021.
Article updated 20 hours ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
