Date: April 10, 2026 l Reporter: Stephen
Personnel of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) have raised serious concerns over years of unpaid promotion arrears, lamenting what they describe as neglect and unfair treatment under the country’s new salary structure.
According to affected officers, many personnel who were promoted in recent years have yet to receive the financial benefits attached to their new ranks, despite continued service under increasingly challenging conditions. The situation, they say, has persisted for several years, leaving many officers struggling financially.
Sources within the service revealed that the unpaid arrears date back to promotions granted as far back as 2023, with no clear timeline from authorities on when payments will be made. Officers expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of transparency and communication from leadership regarding the delays.
Personnel also criticized the implementation of the new salary regime, arguing that it has failed to address longstanding welfare issues within the service. Instead, they say, the situation has worsened, with many officers feeling undervalued despite their role in maintaining security within correctional facilities across the country.
The aggrieved personnel warned that the continued non-payment of promotion arrears is negatively affecting morale within the service, with some officers reportedly struggling to meet basic financial obligations amid Nigeria’s rising cost of living.
Security experts have previously warned that poor welfare conditions among uniformed personnel including delayed salaries and unpaid entitlements could have broader implications for national security, as low morale may impact operational effectiveness.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official response from the Nigeria Correctional Service authorities addressing the concerns raised by the affected personnel.
The development adds to growing concerns over welfare challenges faced by security agencies in Nigeria, with calls mounting for urgent government intervention to ensure that officers receive their rightful entitlements and to restore confidence within the system.