The Nigeria Correctional Service, initially established by the Federal Government, is dedicated to reforming and rehabilitating convicts in line with its core principles. Evolving into a substantial, highly efficient, and well-staffed federal entity, the organization operates under the leadership of the Comptroller General.
Tasked with overseeing the development and implementation of punitive policies nationwide, the Comptroller General operates from the headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The agency's influence extends through more than 240 Correctional Centers dispersed across the country.
For those interested in joining the service, this post will provide details on Nigeria Correctional Service officers ranks, organizational structure, and salary structure.
Types of Prisons in Nigeria
Nigeria boasts diverse prisons catering to different demographics, ranging from gender-specific facilities to those designed for specific age groups and critical prisoners.
Within the Nigerian Prisons Service, the following prison types exist:
1. Adolescents/Minor Prisons
2. Female-Only Prisons
3. Security Prisons
4. Psychiatric Prisons
5. Military Prisons
Nigerian Correctional Service Rank
The ranking structure within the Nigerian Correctional Service aligns with that of other paramilitary organizations in Nigeria, as mentioned earlier. At the pinnacle is the Controller-General, exclusively appointed by the President of Nigeria. Following this top-tier position, the hierarchy unfolds with the Deputy Controller-General, Assistant Controller-General, Controller of Prisons, Deputy Controller of Prisons, Assistant Controller of Prisons, Chief Superintendent of Prisons, Superintendent of Prisons, Deputy Superintendent of Prisons, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons, Inspector of Prisons, and Assistant Inspector of Prisons.
Presented below is the comprehensive listing of Ranks in the Nigerian Correctional Service;
1. Prison Assistant (PAI)
2. Inspector of Prison (IP)
3. Senior Inspector of Prison (SIP)
4. Assistant Superintendent of Prison (ASPII)
5. Assistant Superintendent of Prison (ASPI)
6. Deputy Superintendent of Prison (DSP)
7. Superintendent of Prison (SP)
8. Chief Superintendent of Prison (CSP)
9. Assistant Comptroller of Prison (ACP)
10. Deputy Comptroller of Prison (DCP)
11. Comptroller of Prison (CP)
12. Assistant Comptroller General of Prison (ACGP)
13. Deputy Comptroller General of Prison (DCGP) Consolidated
14. Comptroller General of Prison (CGP)
Nigerian Prison/ Nigerian Correctional Service Salary and Ranks 2024
Officers in the Nigeria Correctional Service receive salaries according to their ranks and years of service. The comprehensive salary structure for NCS officers is detailed below.
1. Prison Assistant (PAI) - Level 3 – 5
Salary Range: ₦296,406 to ₦374,289
2. Inspector of Prison (IP) - Level 6
Salary Range: ₦357,395 to ₦411,494
3. Senior Inspector of Prison (SIP) - Level 7
Salary Range: ₦483,914 to ₦567,965
4. Assistant Superintendent of Prison (ASPII) - Level 8
Salary Range: ₦898,956 to ₦986,901
5. Assistant Superintendent of Prison (ASPI) - Level 9
Salary Range: ₦939,390 to ₦1,056,496
6. Deputy Superintendent of Prison (DSP) - Level 10
Salary Range: ₦1,012,592 to ₦1,143,599
7. Superintendent of Prison (SP) - Level 11
Salary Range: ₦1,094,097 to ₦1,252,098
8. Chief Superintendent of Prison (CSP) - Level 12
Salary Range: ₦1,158,172 to ₦1,325,234
9. Assistant Comptroller of Prison (ACP) - Level 13
Salary Range: ₦1,225,594 to ₦1,405,499
10. Deputy Comptroller of Prison (DCP) - Level 14
Salary Range: ₦1,619,497 to ₦1,825,599
11. Comptroller of Prison (CP) - Level 15
Salary Range: ₦1,759,991 to ₦1,966,291
12. Assistant Comptroller General of Prison (ACGP) - Level 16
Salary Range: ₦2,272,298 to ₦2,464,590
13. Deputy Comptroller General of Prison (DCGP) – Not Disclosed.
14. Comptroller General of Prison (CGP) – Not Disclosed.
Nigerian Prison/ Nigerian Correctional Service Allowances
Beyond the regular monthly salary disbursed to officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), various allowances complement their overall compensation. These allowances are tailored to address specific aspects of their professional lives and are influenced by the officer's rank. The allowances include:
1. Transport Allowance:
Allocated to facilitate officers in meeting their transportation needs, recognizing the essential mobility required in their duties.
2. Accommodation Allowance:
Provided to assist officers in securing suitable housing, acknowledging the significance of a stable living arrangement for their well-being and service effectiveness.
3. Hazard Allowance (in some cases):
Granted in instances where officers are exposed to particular risks or hazardous conditions during the execution of their duties, ensuring fair compensation for such circumstances.
4. Clothing Allowance:
Designated to cover the costs associated with maintaining a professional appearance, emphasizing the importance of a well-groomed and uniformed presence in the line of duty.
It's crucial to note that the specific amounts of these allowances may vary based on the rank of the Nigerian Correctional Service officer, reflecting the varying responsibilities and requirements associated with different positions within the service.