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| Nigerian Correctional Service Salary Structure 2026 |
Explore the Nigerian Correctional Service salary structure 2026, including rank-by-rank pay scales, allowances, benefits, and how CONPASS shapes officers’ earnings in Nigeria’s NCoS.
The Nigerian Correctional Service salary structure 2026 is a core concern for both aspiring and current officers within Nigeria’s paramilitary justice system. Whether you’re preparing for the NCoS recruitment process or planning your career progression, understanding how much correctional officers earn—and why—is crucial for informed decision-making.
In this authoritative guide, we break down the latest salary tiers, rank levels, allowances, and real-world figures based on verified sources and up-to-date Nigeria Correctional Service pay scales, giving you a comprehensive view of officer compensation in 2026.
What Is the Nigerian Correctional Service?
The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS)—formerly known as the Nigerian Prison Service—is a paramilitary agency responsible for the custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of offenders across Nigeria. It operates under the Ministry of Interior and follows a structured hierarchy with distinct ranks and pay levels as outlined under Nigeria’s Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS).
The NCoS plays a critical role in national security and justice, which is reflected in its pay structure and benefit packages.
Overview: How Salaries Are Determined
Before diving into specific numbers, it’s important to understand how pay is determined within the Nigerian Correctional Service:
- CONPASS Framework: Salaries follow the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure, ensuring standardization across ranks and parity with sister paramilitary agencies.
- Rank & Experience: Officers’ earnings increase with rank, years of service, and responsibility level.
- Qualifications: Academic qualifications (e.g., SSCE, NCE/OND, HND/B.Sc) impact initial rank and salary potential.
- Allowances & Benefits: Officers receive a range of allowances in addition to basic salary, boosting take-home pay.
Nigerian Correctional Service Salary Structure 2026
Below is a rank-by-rank breakdown of estimated monthly salaries within the Nigerian Correctional Service salary structure 2026, reflecting updated figures and trends from authoritative salary summaries:
Entry and Junior Ranks
| Rank | Monthly Salary Range (₦) |
|---|---|
| Correctional Assistant III (CA III) | ₦40,000 – ₦45,000 |
| Correctional Assistant II (CA II) | ₦47,000 – ₦52,000 |
| Correctional Assistant I (CA I) | ₦55,000 – ₦60,000 |
| Lance Corporal / Corporal of Corrections | ₦65,000 – ₦75,000 |
These entry-level positions generally require SSCE/WAEC/NECO qualifications and represent the first step into a career with the NCoS.
Mid-Level Ranks
| Rank | Monthly Salary Range (₦) |
|---|---|
| Assistant Inspector of Corrections (AIC) | ₦80,000 – ₦95,000 |
| Senior Inspector of Corrections (SIC) | ₦100,000 – ₦120,000 |
| Chief Inspector of Corrections | ₦130,000 – ₦150,000 |
Mid-level officers typically require higher qualifications such as OND or NCE, and their roles involve increased responsibility in facility management and inmate supervision.
Senior and Leadership Ranks
| Rank | Monthly Salary Range (₦) |
|---|---|
| Assistant Superintendent II (ASC II) | ₦160,000 – ₦180,000 |
| Assistant Superintendent I (ASC I) | ₦190,000 – ₦210,000 |
| Deputy Superintendent of Corrections (DSC) | ₦220,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Superintendent of Corrections (SC) | ₦260,000 – ₦300,000 |
| Chief Superintendent of Corrections (CSC) | ₦310,000 – ₦350,000 |
| Assistant Comptroller of Corrections (ACC) | ₦360,000 – ₦400,000 |
| Deputy Comptroller of Corrections (DCC) | ₦410,000 – ₦450,000 |
| Comptroller of Corrections (CC) | ₦460,000 – ₦500,000 |
| Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) | ₦510,000 – ₦600,000 |
| Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) | ₦650,000 – ₦750,000 |
| Comptroller-General of Corrections (CGC) | ₦800,000 – ₦1,000,000 |
Senior cadres are leadership roles responsible for strategic decision-making, administration, and oversight of correctional operations at national and zonal levels.
How to Interpret These Figures
Basic Pay vs. Take-Home Pay
The figures above represent basic monthly salary estimates. In practice, officers’ take-home compensation includes a range of allowances, such as:
- Housing allowance
- Transport/vehicle allowance
- Uniform and equipment subsidy
- Medical allowance
- Leave allowance
These can significantly increase total earnings, especially at junior and mid-level ranks.
Effect of Minimum Wage Adjustments
Although Nigeria’s national minimum wage was updated in recent years to ₦70,000 per month, actual NCoS salaries typically exceed this baseline for most ranks and reflect the federal government’s remuneration guidelines for paramilitary services.
Allowances, Benefits, and Welfare
In addition to basic salary, the Nigerian Correctional Service salary structure 2026 includes several typical allowances and welfare support mechanisms:
Common Allowances
- Hazard Pay: Compensation for duties involving heightened risk.
- Uniform Allowance: Helps cover official gear and uniforms.
- Housing/Accommodation Subsidy: Supports officers with living expenses.
- Health & Medical Benefits: Often part of the federal medical support plan for officers.
- Training & Career Development: Some officers receive allowances during training attachments.
These benefits are part of efforts to attract and retain qualified personnel in the correctional ecosystem.
Career Progression and Salary Growth
Promotion within the Nigerian Correctional Service comes with both increased responsibility and higher pay. Officers who pursue professional development courses, attain higher qualifications, or take on leadership positions can expect their compensation to grow significantly over time.
Unlike some private sector jobs, government service progression tends to be structured and predictable, with periodic promotions and salary reviews tied to performance and experience.
NCoS Salary Comparisons With Other Services
To put earnings in perspective, Nigeria’s CONPASS framework ensures roughly comparable pay scales across paramilitary services such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Immigration Service. Although specific figures differ by agency role, senior ranks in Correctional Service often command salaries in the same ballpark as those in sister services.
Factors That Influence Salaries
Several key factors influence where an officer’s salary falls within the structure:
Experience
Longer service typically leads to progression through CONPASS levels, rewarding seniority with higher pay.
Qualification
Higher academic credentials can lead to a starting position at a higher rank with better pay.
Location & Posting
Assignment to high-cost or strategic areas may come with supplemental allowances.
Government Budget Changes
As with all public sector salary structures, broader economic policy and federal budget adjustments (including future minimum wage reviews) can affect remuneration.
Considering joining the Nigerian Correctional Service? Understanding the salary structure for 2026 helps you make informed career decisions. Visit the official NCoS recruitment page or your state’s Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire & Immigration Services Board office to learn about upcoming opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The Nigerian Correctional Service salary structure 2026 offers a clear, rank-based pathway that rewards progression and experience. From entry-level assistants earning around ₦40,000 monthly to senior leadership earning close to ₦1,000,000, compensation reflects the responsibilities and training required at each tier.
Plus, with a suite of allowances—housing, transport, medical, and more—officers enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that enhances their overall remuneration. As Nigeria continues modernizing its correctional systems and aligning pay with national standards, NCoS remains a competitive and stable career option for disciplined professionals.
