The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has rejected reports suggesting the establishment of a hotel in Abuja, urging caution against misinformation.
Abubakar Umar, the Service Spokesman, clarified this in a statement released on Wednesday, May 16, in Abuja. He refuted claims circulating in certain media outlets alleging the recent construction of a high-end hotel by the NCoS. According to Umar, such reports are not only misleading but also aimed at misinforming the public.
To dispel any doubts, Umar clarified that the hotel was constructed in 2021 and is exclusively owned by the Correctional Cooperative Society (COCOS), a cooperative society established for all Service personnel in 1996. He highlighted the COCOS’ role in providing financial support to serving and retired personnel through its Microfinance Bank, enhancing their welfare with soft loans and other financial services.
Additionally, Umar emphasized the COCOS’ function as a welfare system for retired and deceased personnel, ensuring timely disbursement of entitlements. He mentioned the acquisition of housing estates by the Cooperative Society, offering personnel, both serving and retired, the opportunity to own personal houses conveniently.
The hotel, operational since 2021 and situated along Bill Clinton Drive Airport Road, Abuja, is owned and administered by COCOS as a corporate entity. It has contributed to job creation for numerous youths and garnered praise from dignitaries. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, commended the NCoS for this initiative during a visit to the Service’s National Headquarters.
The Controller General of Corrections (CGC) urged the public to disregard the report, emphasizing the hotel’s provision of excellent services at competitive prices. He encouraged patronage of the establishment while advising news reporters to verify information concerning the Nigerian Correctional Service through official channels before publication.