The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed the widespread report that it has established a hotel in Abuja.

The service further urged the public to disregard the viral reports and to be cautious of misinformation.

This was conveyed by Service Spokesman, Abubakar Umar, an Assistant Controller, in a statement on Wednesday, May 15.

Multiple reports circulating on social and traditional media claimed that the Nigerian Correctional Service NCoS had recently constructed a luxurious hotel.

According to him, the report is not only misleading but also intended to mislead the public.

He clarified that the hotel in question was built in 2021 and is exclusively owned by the Correctional Cooperative Society (COCOS), a Cooperative Society for all personnel of the Service which was established in 1996.

“The Cooperative Society operates a Microfinance Bank that provides financial assistance to both serving and retired personnel, with the goal of enhancing their welfare through the provision of soft loans and other financial services.

“The Cooperative Society also serves as a backup welfare system for retired and deceased personnel, while those who have been dismissed from Service receive their due entitlements upon disengagement. Currently, all payments of entitlements to beneficiaries are up-to-date. The Cooperative Society has acquired housing estates, offering personnel, serving and retired, the opportunity to own personal homes without difficulty.

“The hotel has been operational since its establishment in 2021 and is situated along Bill Clinton Drive, Airport Road, Abuja. In terms of funding and day-to-day operations, the hotel is owned by COCOS and managed as a corporate entity. The hotel has created job opportunities for numerous youths and has received praise from dignitaries both within and outside the country.

“During his tour of the Service’s National Headquarters, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, commended the Service for the initiative of establishing the hotel and encouraged other institutions to follow the Nigerian Correctional Service's example.

“The Controller General of Corrections (CGC) advises the general public to disregard the report as it is intended to create confusion where there is none. He encourages the public to support the hotel as it offers excellent services at competitive prices.

“News reporters are advised to verify the sources of their information regarding the Nigerian Correctional Service through the Public Relations Officer and other official channels before publishing,” he added.