Salary Structure of Nigeria Correctional Service: Full Complete Breakdown in Details (2025)
The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), formerly known as the Nigeria Prison Service, is a paramilitary agency under the Federal Ministry of Interior, tasked with the custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates across over 240 correctional centers in Nigeria. Established under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019, the NCoS operates under the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS), which governs salaries for paramilitary agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service, Immigration Service, and Civil Defence. The salary structure was updated in 2024 to reflect the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000 per month, effective July 2024. This response provides a comprehensive breakdown of the NCoS salary structure as of June 23, 2025, including ranks, salary components, allowances, deductions, and factors influencing earnings.
1. Overview of Nigeria Correctional Service Salary Structure
The NCoS salary structure is based on the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS), updated in 2024 to align with the ₦70,000 minimum wage. Salaries are determined by rank, educational qualifications, years of service (steps), and allowances. The NCoS is recognized as one of Nigeria’s highest-paying paramilitary agencies, offering competitive salaries and benefits, making it an attractive career choice for those interested in law enforcement and rehabilitation. Salaries range from ₦70,000/month for entry-level ranks to over ₦3,500,000/month for senior officers.
- Average Monthly Salary (CONPASS):
- Entry-Level (Correctional Assistant, Inspectorate Cadre): ₦70,000–₦140,000.
- Mid-Level (Superintendence Cadre): ₦140,000–₦350,000.
- Senior-Level (Controller Ranks): ₦350,000–₦3,500,000+.
- Average Gross Salary: ~₦150,000/month (including allowances), ranging from ₦70,000 (Correctional Assistant III) to ₦3,700,000 (Controller-General).
- Median Monthly Salary: ~₦120,000, meaning half of officers earn less and half earn more.
- Net Salary: After deductions (e.g., taxes, pension), net salaries range from ~₦60,000–₦3,100,000/month.
- Annual Salary Range: ₦840,000–₦44,400,000+, with top ranks like Controller-General earning significantly more.
Note: Salary figures are estimates based on 2024–2025 data and may vary slightly due to incremental raises, economic adjustments, or unconfirmed updates. Some senior-level salaries (e.g., Controller-General) are not fully disclosed due to confidentiality.
2. NCoS Ranks and Hierarchy
The NCoS operates a hierarchical structure with ranks divided into two cadres: Inspectorate Classes (Grade Levels 3–7) and Superintendence Classes (Grade Levels 8–34). Ranks range from Correctional Soldier (lowest) to Controller-General of Corrections (NGSC) (highest), each with specific responsibilities and salary ranges. Below is the complete list of the NCoS hierarchy in ascending order, based on sources like InquireSalary and Nigerian Queries.
- Correctional Soldier (CS) – Entry-level, SSCE holders, equivalent to Correctional Assistant III (CA III).
- Correctional Assistant II (CA II) – SSCE holders with experience.
- Correctional Assistant I (CA I) – SSCE/OND holders.
- Assistant Inspector of Corrections (AIC) – ND/NCE holders.
- Inspector of Corrections (IC) – ND/NCE with experience.
- Senior Inspector of Corrections (SIC) – ND/NCE with advanced experience.
- Assistant Superintendent of Corrections II (ASC II) – B.Sc./HND holders.
- Assistant Superintendent of Corrections I (ASC I) – B.Sc./HND with experience.
- Deputy Superintendent of Corrections (DSC) – Promoted officers.
- Superintendent of Corrections (SC) – Senior superintendence cadre.
- Chief Superintendent of Corrections (CSC) – Senior managerial role.
- Controller of Corrections (CC) – State-level prison oversight.
- Assistant Controller-General of Corrections (ACGC) – Zonal oversight.
- Deputy Controller-General of Corrections (DCGC) – Heads directorates.
- Controller-General of Corrections (NGSC) – Highest rank, appointed by the President.
Organizational Structure:
- The Controller-General leads the NCoS, supported by six Deputy Controllers-General heading directorates: Administration, Operations, Finance and Accounts, Non-Custodial Measures, Health and Welfare, and Training.
- Assistant Controllers-General oversee four zonal commands for effective administration.
- The NCoS operates under the Ministry of Interior and the Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration, and Correctional Service Board (CDCFIB).
3. CONPASS Salary Breakdown by Rank
The CONPASS structure assigns salaries based on rank, grade level, and steps (1–15, reflecting years of service). Below is a detailed breakdown of annual and monthly salaries for key ranks, updated for 2024–2025, based on sources like Genius Brain, Hired.com.ng, and InquireSalary.
3.1 Correctional Soldier/Correctional Assistant III (CS/CA III, Grade Level 3)
- Qualifications: SSCE, GCE, NECO, or WAEC with at least 3 credits (including English or Mathematics).
- Annual Salary: ₦400,000–₦600,000 (adjusted for minimum wage).
- Monthly Salary: ₦70,000–₦80,000.
- Deductions: PAYE (~₦5,000), Pension (8%, ~₦4,800), NHF (2.5%, ~₦1,500) = ~₦11,300.
- Net Monthly Salary: ~₦58,700–₦68,700.
- Responsibilities: Basic security, inmate supervision, administrative tasks.
3.2 Correctional Assistant II (CA II, Grade Level 4)
- Qualifications: SSCE with additional experience or OND.
- Annual Salary: ₦450,000–₦650,000.
- Monthly Salary: ₦75,000–₦85,000.
- Deductions: PAYE (
₦5,500–₦6,000), Pension (₦5,600–₦6,800), NHF (~₦1,800–₦2,100) = ~₦12,900–₦14,900. - Net Monthly Salary: ~₦62,100–₦70,100.
- Responsibilities: Assisting in facility operations, inmate welfare checks.
3.3 Correctional Assistant I (CA I, Grade Level 5)
- Qualifications: OND or equivalent.
- Annual Salary: ₦500,000–₦700,000.
- Monthly Salary: ₦80,000–₦90,000.
- Deductions: PAYE (
₦6,000–₦7,000), Pension (₦6,200–₦7,200), NHF (~₦2,000–₦2,300) = ~₦14,200–₦16,500. - Net Monthly Salary: ~₦65,800–₦73,500.
- Responsibilities: Enhanced security duties, court escort.
3.4 Assistant Inspector of Corrections (AIC, Grade Level 6)
- Qualifications: ND/NCE.
- Annual Salary: ₦600,000–₦800,000.
- Monthly Salary: ₦90,000–₦100,000.
- Deductions: PAYE (
₦7,000–₦8,000), Pension (₦7,200–₦8,000), NHF (~₦2,300–₦2,500) = ~₦16,500–₦18,500. - Net Monthly Salary: ~₦73,500–₦81,500.
- Responsibilities: Supervising correctional assistants, facility operations.
3.5 Inspector of Corrections (IC, Grade Level 7)
- Qualifications: ND/NCE with experience.
- Annual Salary: ₦700,000–₦900,000.
- Monthly Salary: ₦100,000–₦120,000.
- Deductions: PAYE (
₦8,000–₦9,000), Pension (₦8,000–₦9,600), NHF (~₦2,500–₦3,000) = ~₦18,500–₦21,600. - Net Monthly Salary: ~₦81,500–₦98,400.
- Responsibilities: Overseeing inmate welfare, security management.
3.6 Senior Inspector of Corrections (SIC, Grade Level 7)
- Qualifications: ND/NCE with advanced experience.
- Annual Salary: ₦800,000–₦1,000,000.
- Monthly Salary: ₦120,000–₦140,000.
- Deductions: PAYE (
₦9,000–₦10,000), Pension (₦9,600–₦11,200), NHF (~₦3,000–₦3,500) = ~₦21,600–₦24,700. - Net Monthly Salary: ~₦98,400–₦115,300.
- Responsibilities: Leading inspectorate teams, reporting to superintendents.
3.7 Assistant Superintendent of Corrections II (ASC II, Grade Level 8)
- Qualifications: B.Sc./HND.
- Annual Salary: ₦900,000–₦1,200,000.
- Monthly Salary: ₦130,000–₦150,000.
- Deductions: PAYE (
₦10,000–₦12,000), Pension (₦10,400–₦12,000), NHF (~₦3,300–₦3,800) = ~₦23,700–₦27,800. - Net Monthly Salary: ~₦106,300–₦122,200.
- Responsibilities: Managing units, rehabilitation programs.
3.8 Assistant Superintendent of Corrections I (ASC I, Grade Level 9)
- Qualifications: B.Sc./HND with experience.
- Annual Salary: ₦1,000,000–₦1,500,000.
- Monthly Salary: ₦150,000–₦180,000.
- Deductions: PAYE (
₦12,000–₦15,000), Pension (₦12,000–₦14,400), NHF (~₦3,800–₦4,500) = ~₦27,800–₦33,900. - Net Monthly Salary: ~₦122,200–₦146,100.
- Responsibilities: Overseeing operations, policy implementation.
3.9 Deputy Superintendent of Corrections (DSC, Grade Level 10)
- Qualifications: B.Sc./HND with 3–5 years of experience.
- Annual Salary: ₦1,200,000–₦1,800,000.
- Monthly Salary: ₦180,000–₦220,000.
- Deductions: PAYE (
₦15,000–₦18,000), Pension (₦14,400–₦17,600), NHF (~₦4,500–₦5,500) = ~₦33,900–₦41,100. - Net Monthly Salary: ~₦146,100–₦178,900.
- Responsibilities: Strategic planning, unit leadership.
3.10 Superintendent of Corrections (SC, Grade Level 11)
- Qualifications: B.Sc./HND with 5+ years of experience.
- Annual Salary: ₦1,400,000–₦2,000,000.
- Monthly Salary: ₦220,000–₦250,000.
- Deductions: PAYE (
₦18,000–₦20,000), Pension (₦17,600–₦20,000), NHF (~₦5,500–₦6,300) = ~₦41,100–₦46,300. - Net Monthly Salary: ~₦178,900–₦203,700.
- Responsibilities: Managing prison units, inmate welfare.
3.11 Chief Superintendent of Corrections (CSC, Grade Level 12)
- Qualifications: B.Sc./HND with advanced experience.
- Annual Salary: ₦1,600,000–₦2,200,000.
- Monthly Salary: ₦250,000–₦300,000.
- Deductions: PAYE (
₦20,000–₦25,000), Pension (₦20,000–₦24,000), NHF (~₦6,300–₦7,500) = ~₦46,300–₦56,500. - Net Monthly Salary: ~₦203,700–₦243,500.
- Responsibilities: Senior management, policy enforcement.
3.12 Controller of Corrections (CC, Grade Level 14)
- Qualifications: Advanced degrees or extensive experience.
- Annual Salary: ₦2,000,000–₦2,800,000.
- Monthly Salary: ₦300,000–₦400,000.
- Deductions: PAYE (
₦25,000–₦30,000), Pension (₦24,000–₦32,000), NHF (~₦7,500–₦10,000) = ~₦56,500–₦72,000. - Net Monthly Salary: ~₦243,500–₦328,000.
- Responsibilities: State-level prison oversight, reporting to ACGC.
3.13 Assistant Controller-General of Corrections (ACGC, Grade Level 16)
- Qualifications: Senior officers with 15+ years of experience.
- Annual Salary: ₦2,800,000–₦3,500,000.
- Monthly Salary: ₦500,000–₦600,000.
- Deductions: PAYE (
₦40,000–₦50,000), Pension (₦40,000–₦48,000), NHF (~₦12,500–₦15,000) = ~₦92,500–₦113,000. - Net Monthly Salary: ~₦407,500–₦487,000.
- Responsibilities: Zonal command leadership, strategic planning.
3.14 Deputy Controller-General of Corrections (DCGC, Grade Level 17)
- Qualifications: Top-tier officers with 20+ years of experience.
- Annual Salary: ₦3,000,000–₦3,800,000.
- Monthly Salary: ₦600,000–₦800,000.
- Deductions: PAYE (
₦50,000–₦60,000), Pension (₦48,000–₦64,000), NHF (~₦15,000–₦20,000) = ~₦113,000–₦144,000. - Net Monthly Salary: ~₦487,000–₦656,000.
- Responsibilities: Directorate leadership, reporting to CG.
3.15 Controller-General of Corrections (NGSC, Grade Level 18)
- Qualifications: Appointed by the President, extensive experience.
- Annual Salary: ₦3,500,000–₦4,500,000.
- Monthly Salary: ₦1,000,000–₦3,500,000 (estimates vary due to confidentiality).
- Deductions: PAYE (
₦80,000–₦200,000), Pension (₦80,000–₦280,000), NHF (~₦25,000–₦87,500) = ~₦185,000–₦567,500. - Net Monthly Salary: ~₦815,000–₦2,932,500.
- Responsibilities: Overall leadership, policy formulation, national oversight.
Note: Salaries for senior ranks (e.g., NGSC, DCGC) are often confidential and vary based on federal allocations. Monthly figures are derived by dividing annual salaries by 12 and adjusting for 2024 minimum wage increases.
4. Salary Components
NCoS salaries consist of basic salary, allowances, bonuses, and deductions. Below is a detailed breakdown based on CONPASS and industry norms.
4.1 Basic Salary
- Definition: Fixed monthly pay, forming the base for allowances and deductions.
- Range: ₦70,000 (CS/CA III, Grade Level 3) to ~₦3,500,000 (NGSC, Grade Level 18).
- Example: An ASC II (Grade Level 8) earns ~₦130,000/month basic salary.
4.2 Allowances
Allowances significantly boost total compensation and vary by rank, duty, and location. Not all officers receive all allowances, as some are task-specific or rank-dependent. Common allowances include:
- Housing/Rent Allowance: Provided if government accommodation is unavailable,
20–40% of basic salary (₦14,000–₦1,000,000/month). Officers in custodial centers may not receive this. - Transport Allowance: Covers commuting costs, ~₦5,000–₦100,000/month.
- Uniform Maintenance Allowance: For uniform upkeep, ~₦2,000–₦20,000/month.
- Hazard Allowance: For high-risk duties (e.g., managing violent inmates), ~₦5,000–₦50,000/month.
- Medical Allowance: Covers healthcare, ~₦5,000–₦50,000/month, or access to NCoS medical facilities.
- Utility Allowance: For electricity, water, etc., ~₦2,000–₦20,000/month.
- Shift Duty Allowance: For non-standard hours, ~₦5,000–₦30,000/month.
- Security Allowance: For high-risk postings, ~₦5,000–₦50,000/month.
- Furniture Allowance: For senior officers, ~₦10,000–₦50,000/month.
- Example: An ASC II with ₦130,000 basic salary may receive ₦26,000 housing, ₦10,000 transport, ₦5,000 uniform, ₦10,000 hazard, and ₦5,000 utility, totaling ~₦56,000 in allowances.
4.3 Bonuses
- Performance Bonuses: ₦50,000–₦500,000/year, based on facility performance or rehabilitation success.
- 13th-Month Salary: Equivalent to one month’s basic salary, paid year-end in some cases.
- Example: A DSC may earn a ₦100,000 annual bonus (~₦8,333/month equivalent).
4.4 Deductions
- Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) Tax: 7–24% of taxable income after reliefs (e.g., ₦200,000 + 20% of gross income).
- Example: For ₦200,000 gross salary, PAYE ~₦10,000–₦20,000/month.
- Pension Contribution: 8% of basic salary (employee) + 10% (employer).
- Example: ₦10,400 employee contribution for ₦130,000 basic salary.
- National Housing Fund (NHF): 2.5% of basic salary (~₦1,750–₦87,500).
- Other Deductions: Cooperative or welfare contributions (~₦1,000–₦20,000).
- Total Deductions: 10–20% of gross salary.
- Example: Gross salary of ~₦186,000 (ASC II + allowances) with ₦30,000 deductions yields ~₦156,000 net salary.
4.5 Gross vs. Net Salary
- Gross Salary: Basic salary + allowances + bonuses.
- Example: Basic ₦130,000 + ₦56,000 allowances + ₦8,333 bonus = ₦194,333/month.
- Net Salary: Gross salary – deductions.
- Example: ₦194,333 – ₦30,000 = ₦164,333/month.
5. Salary by Educational Qualification
Entry-level salaries and ranks depend on educational qualifications:
- SSCE Holders: Start as Correctional Soldier/CA III, ~₦70,000–₦80,000/month (gross).
- ND/NCE Holders: Start as Assistant Inspector or Inspector, ~₦90,000–₦120,000/month (gross).
- B.Sc./HND Holders: Start as Assistant Superintendent II, ~₦130,000–₦150,000/month (gross).
- Specialized Professionals (e.g., Medical Doctors, Nurses): Paid under CONMESS (doctors) or CONHESS (nurses), starting at ~₦200,000–₦400,000/month (gross).
- Example: A B.Sc. holder (ASC II) earns ~₦900,000–₦1,200,000/year, significantly more than an SSCE holder (CA III) at ~₦400,000–₦600,000/year.
6. Trainee Salary and Benefits
During the 6-month training period, NCoS recruits receive a stipend and benefits:
- Monthly Stipend: ₦25,000–₦30,000.
- Benefits:
- Free uniforms and kits.
- Free accommodation and meals.
- Free medical care.
- Travel allowances upon training completion.
- Post-Training: Trainees are absorbed into full roles with CONPASS salaries based on rank and qualifications.
7. Factors Influencing Salaries
- Rank: Higher ranks (e.g., Controller) earn 10–50x more than entry-level (CA III).
- Qualifications: B.Sc./HND holders start at Grade Level 8, SSCE at Grade Level 3.
- Years of Service (Steps): Each step (1–15) increases salary by 2–3% annually; officers progress every 3–4 years.
- Allowances: Task-specific allowances (e.g., hazard, shift duty) boost income by 20–50%.
- Location: Officers in high-risk or urban areas (e.g., Lagos, Abuja) may receive higher allowances.
- Economic Conditions: Inflation (33.4% in 2024) prompts salary adjustments; 2024 minimum wage increased salaries by 25–35%.
- Performance: Achieving rehabilitation or security targets yields bonuses.
- Gender: No reported gender-based salary gap, with equal training and uniforms for all.
8. Roles and Responsibilities
- Correctional Soldier/Assistant: Basic security, inmate supervision, court escorts.
- Inspectorate Cadre: Facility operations, inmate welfare, reporting to superintendents.
- Superintendence Cadre: Unit management, rehabilitation programs, policy enforcement.
- Controller Ranks: State or zonal oversight, strategic planning.
- Controller-General: Leads NCoS, formulates policies, ensures national compliance.
- Key Duties:
- Ensure safe custody of inmates.
- Facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration (e.g., education, vocational training).
- Produce inmates in court as required.
- Maintain security and enforce regulations in correctional facilities.
- Collaborate with other agencies (e.g., Police, Judiciary).
9. Qualifications and Requirements
- Correctional Soldier/CA III: SSCE with 3 credits (including English or Mathematics), 0–1 year of experience.
- Assistant Inspector/Inspector: ND/NCE, 0–2 years of experience.
- Assistant Superintendent II/I: B.Sc./HND, 0–3 years of experience.
- Senior Ranks: Advanced degrees (M.Sc./Ph.D. for NGSC, DCGC), 5–20+ years of experience.
- General Requirements:
- Nigerian citizenship, state of origin certificate.
- Age: 18–30 (general), up to 35 for professionals (e.g., doctors, nurses).
- Physical fitness (height: 1.65m for males, 1.60m for females; chest: 0.87m for males).
- Medical clearance, good character.
- NYSC certificate for B.Sc./HND holders.
- Skills: Patience, integrity, human relations, weapon handling, IT proficiency.
10. Benefits and Perks
- Monetary:
- Housing, transport, hazard, medical, and other allowances.
- Performance bonuses, 13th-month salary (in some cases).
- Non-Monetary:
- Government accommodation (where available).
- Free medical care via NCoS facilities.
- Insurance coverage (e.g., for high-risk duties).
- Pension scheme (8% employee + 10% employer contribution).
- Job security, annual leave, maternity leave.
- Training (local/international) for career development.
- Prestige and honor of serving in a noble profession.
- Specialized Roles: Professionals (e.g., doctors, nurses) receive higher pay under CONMESS/CONHESS and additional benefits.
11. Challenges
- Inflation: 33.4% in 2024 erodes real income, despite 25–35% salary increase.
- High-Risk Duties: Managing violent inmates or escapes (e.g., 2025 Ilesa escape) poses risks, mitigated by hazard allowances.
- Corruption Allegations: Some officers face scrutiny for misconduct, impacting morale.
- Competitive Recruitment: Annual recruitment is highly competitive, with allegations of favoritism.
- Accommodation: Not all officers receive government quarters, increasing reliance on rent allowances.
- Delayed Adjustments: Salary updates lag behind economic changes, affecting purchasing power.
- Emotional Toll: Handling inmates with restricted rights requires patience and mental resilience.
12. Job Opportunities and Demand
- Vacancies: Annual recruitment via NCoS portal (https://corrections.gov.ng/), newspapers, or job platforms (e.g., Jobberman, Recruitngr).
- Demand: High due to competitive salaries, benefits, and prestige; thousands apply annually.
- Competitive Edge: B.Sc./HND with 2:1, professional certifications (e.g., social work, psychology), and physical fitness.
- Departments for Employment:
- Administration
- Operations
- Finance and Accounts
- Non-Custodial Measures
- Health and Welfare
- Training
13. Career Progression and Salary Growth
- Entry to Mid-Level: 3–5 years, 30–50% salary increase with promotions (e.g., CA III to ASC II).
- Mid to Senior-Level: 5–15 years, doubling possible with promotions (e.g., ASC II to Controller).
- Upskilling: Certifications (e.g., social work, criminology) or advanced degrees boost rank and pay by 20–40%.
- Example: A B.Sc. holder starting as ASC II (
₦130,000/month) can reach Controller (₦300,000–₦400,000/month) in 10–15 years.
14. Comparison with Other Agencies
- NCoS vs. Nigeria Customs Service: NCoS (
₦70,000–₦3,500,000/month) pays slightly less than Customs (₦70,000–₦3,100,000/month) due to revenue-focused roles in Customs. [Previous Response: Nigeria Customs Service] - NCoS vs. Nigeria Police: NCoS pays slightly more than Police (~₦50,000–₦2,500,000/month) for equivalent ranks due to specialized duties.
- NCoS vs. Civil Service (CONPSS): NCoS (
₦70,000–₦3,500,000/month) pays more than civil service (₦70,000–₦789,724/month) for equivalent ranks. [Previous Response: Civil Service] - NCoS vs. Bokku Mart: NCoS offers better job security and benefits than Bokku Mart (~₦40,000–₦300,000/month). [Previous Response: Bokku Mart]
15. Economic Context
- Inflation: 33.4% in 2024 reduces real income; 25–35% salary increase in 2024 mitigates this.
- Minimum Wage: ₦70,000/month (2024) ensures baseline for Correctional Soldier/CA III.
- Economic Challenges: Rising living costs increase reliance on allowances and bonuses.
- CDCFIB Oversight: Ensures salary reviews and adjustments under CONPASS.
16. How to Maximize Earnings
- Education: Obtain B.Sc./HND for Superintendence cadre entry (~₦130,000/month vs. ₦70,000 for SSCE).
- Certifications: Social work, criminology, or psychology certifications enhance promotion prospects.
- Experience: Gain 3–5 years in lower ranks, then seek promotions or specialized roles (e.g., medical, non-custodial).
- Location: Volunteer for high-risk postings (e.g., maximum-security facilities) for higher allowances.
- Networking: Monitor NCoS portal (https://corrections.gov.ng/) or job platforms for recruitment.
- Performance: Exceed rehabilitation or security targets for bonuses and promotions.
17. Conclusion
The Nigeria Correctional Service salary structure, governed by CONPASS, ranges from ₦70,000/month (Correctional Soldier/CA III) to over ₦3,500,000/month (Controller-General), with net salaries of ~₦60,000–₦2,932,500 after deductions. Salaries include basic pay, allowances (e.g., housing, hazard), and bonuses, varying by rank, qualifications, and years of service. The NCoS offers competitive pay, job security, and benefits, making it a prestigious career choice, though challenges like inflation, high-risk duties, and competitive recruitment persist. For current vacancies, check https://corrections.gov.ng/, Jobberman, or MySalaryScale. Verify salary details with NCoS or the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) for accuracy.
Note: Salary figures are estimates based on 2024–2025 data from sources like InquireSalary, Nigerian Queries, Genius Brain, and Hired.com.ng. Exact figures vary by rank, step, and economic adjustments.
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