Nigerian Correctional Service Salary 2025: Latest Updates on New Minimum Wage and Ranks

Nigerian Correctional Service Salary Update 2025

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), a vital part of Nigeria’s justice system, has undergone significant changes in its salary structure for 2025, aligning with the federal government’s recent minimum wage adjustment. 

This update reflects the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of paramilitary personnel, including those in the NCS, to ensure better service delivery in managing correctional facilities and rehabilitating inmates.

New Minimum Wage Impact

In July 2024, the federal government approved a new minimum wage of ₦70,000 per month, effective from September 2024. This 133% increase from the previous ₦30,000 minimum wage has led to a comprehensive overhaul of the NCS salary structure, ensuring all ranks meet or exceed this baseline. Additionally, civil servants, including NCS officers, have received wage award arrears of ₦35,000 since May 2025, further boosting their earnings.

Updated Salary Structure

The NCS operates under the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS), which determines pay based on rank, qualifications, and years of service. Below is an overview of the updated 2025 salary structure for key ranks, reflecting the new minimum wage and additional allowances:

• Correctional Assistant III (CA III): Entry-level officers with SSCE qualifications now earn approximately ₦70,000–₦90,000 monthly, including allowances like housing (50% of basic salary) and transport (30% of basic salary). Annual salaries range from ₦840,000 to ₦1,080,000.

• Inspector of Corrections (IC): Officers with NCE or ND qualifications earn between ₦80,000–₦100,000 monthly, translating to ₦960,000–₦1,200,000 annually.

• Assistant Superintendent of Corrections II (ASC II): HND or BSc holders start at ₦90,000–₦120,000 monthly, with annual salaries of ₦1,080,000–₦1,440,000.

• Deputy Superintendent of Corrections (DSC): Mid-level officers earn ₦120,000–₦150,000 monthly, or ₦1,440,000–₦1,800,000 yearly.

• Controller-General of Corrections (CGC): The highest rank, appointed by the President, earns approximately ₦3,500,000–₦4,500,000 annually, depending on years of service.

These figures include allowances such as hazard pay, uniform maintenance, and transport, which significantly enhance total compensation. For instance, entry-level officers can expect monthly packages exceeding ₦120,000 when allowances are factored in.

Hierarchical Structure

The NCS follows a clear hierarchy, with ranks ranging from Correctional Assistant III to Controller-General. Promotions are tied to experience, qualifications, and performance, allowing officers to progress and increase their earnings over time. The Comptroller General, the agency’s head, oversees operations across over 240 correctional centers nationwide, ensuring effective rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.

Recruitment and Career Opportunities

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) announced a massive recruitment drive for 2025, with applications open from June 26 to August 4, 2025, via the portal https://recruitment.cdcfib.org. Applicants must be Nigerian citizens aged 18–35, meet physical and medical standards, and possess relevant qualifications (e.g., SSCE, NCE, ND, HND, or BSc). 

This recruitment offers opportunities for career growth, specialized training, and competitive salaries, making the NCS an attractive option for job seekers.

Gender Pay Gap Concerns

Despite the salary adjustments, concerns about gender pay disparities persist. Reports indicate that male correctional officers earn approximately 22% more than their female counterparts for similar roles, with average annual salaries of ₦2,389,200 for men and ₦1,955,300 for women. 

This gap highlights the need for ongoing efforts to ensure equitable compensation across the service.

Conclusion

The 2025 salary update for the Nigerian Correctional Service marks a significant step toward improving officer welfare, reflecting the new minimum wage and enhanced allowances. With competitive pay, structured career progression, and ongoing recruitment, the NCS remains a prestigious and rewarding career path for Nigerians committed to justice and rehabilitation. For the latest updates on recruitment and salaries, visit the official NCS portal at www.corrections.gov.ng or the CDCFIB recruitment portal.