NYSC DG Assures Corps Members of Safety and Welfare By Raymond Enoch
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has reaffirmed the Scheme’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, safety, and security of Corps Members, declaring that these priorities will never be compromised under his leadership.
In a press statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the DG made this assurance while addressing the 2026 Batch “A” Stream II Corps Members deployed to Niger State, alongside their counterparts posted to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) but undertaking their Orientation Course at the NYSC Camp in Paiko, Niger State.
General Nafiu disclosed that he was in Makurdi, Benue State, when he received reports of extensive damage caused by a late-night rainstorm that affected parts of the Paiko Orientation Camp. Responding swiftly, he mobilized his team and proceeded to the camp to personally assess the situation and initiate immediate intervention measures.
While acknowledging that Orientation Camps are not designed for luxury, the DG emphasized that they must meet acceptable minimum standards to ensure the comfort and safety of Corps Members. He assured them that discussions were already underway between the NYSC management and the Niger State Government to expedite repairs and upgrade the camp facilities. He stressed that no Corps Member would be left stranded as a result of the incident.
The DG commended the Corps Members for their discipline and maturity, noting with satisfaction the absence of social media posts or images showing the damaged structures, a gesture he described as responsible and commendable.
During the visit, General Nafiu also reiterated the core objectives of the NYSC Scheme, highlighting its role in promoting national unity and integration in a country as diverse as Nigeria. He encouraged Corps Members to build lasting friendships across ethnic and cultural lines, relationships he said should extend beyond the service year.
He further sensitized them on the importance of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, describing it as a vital component of the NYSC experience. According to him, the programme equips Corps Members with practical skills that can serve as a source of livelihood, particularly in the face of limited white-collar job opportunities, or as an additional income stream for those who secure employment.
Looking ahead, the DG revealed that the 2026 Batch “A” Stream II Corps Members would be the first group to participate as ad-hoc staff in the 2027 general elections. He noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would provide the necessary training in due course.
However, he cautioned them against engaging in partisan politics, electoral malpractice, or any form of thuggery, reiterating that the NYSC remains a non-partisan organization and that Corps Members are prohibited from political involvement.
General Nafiu also advised Corps Members to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to ensure their personal safety, especially during the rainy season, which often comes with hazards such as flooding and storms.
In her remarks, the NYSC Coordinator in Niger State, Mrs. Martina Shuaibu Ibrahim, informed the DG that a total of 2,484 Corps Members—comprising 1,241 males and 1,243 females—had been registered for the Orientation Course. She added that the figure includes Corps Members from the FCT who were temporarily relocated to the Niger Camp for the exercise.
The visit underscored the NYSC leadership’s responsiveness to emerging challenges and its continued commitment to improving the welfare and overall experience of Corps Members across the country.
