The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has warned that employers who fail to provide accommodation and transportation for corps members posted to their organisations will be barred from participating in the scheme.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, announced the decision during an interactive session with corps members while on a working visit to Kogi State.
The development was disclosed in a statement shared on the official social media platforms of the scheme on Tuesday.
According to Nafiu, the move forms part of efforts to improve the welfare of corps members and ensure that organisations benefiting from their services fulfil their obligations under the NYSC programme.
“Any employer who did not provide accommodation and transportation for Corps Members would be blacklisted from enjoying Corps services,” he said.
The Director-General urged both public and private organisations to place greater priority on the welfare of corps members, noting that a conducive working environment would enable them to perform their responsibilities effectively during the service year.
He stressed that providing accommodation and transportation would not only improve the well-being of corps members but also enhance their productivity and overall contribution to their places of primary assignment.
Nafiu further reassured corps members that the Federal Government remains committed to guaranteeing their safety and welfare throughout the mandatory one-year national service.
“The Federal Government is resolutely committed to your security and welfare,” he said.
He also appealed to state governments, local government councils and other stakeholders to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by providing additional support to the NYSC scheme.
According to him, collaboration among all levels of government and host organisations is necessary to ensure that corps members carry out their assignments under safe and conducive conditions.
While addressing security concerns, the NYSC boss reminded corps members that safeguarding lives and property requires collective responsibility.
He urged them to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious movements or activities within their host communities to the appropriate security agencies.
“Security is everyone’s business,” he told the corps members.
Nafiu also advised participants in the scheme to remain disciplined, dedicated and committed to their official responsibilities.
He cautioned them against engaging in misconduct or activities capable of bringing the NYSC into disrepute, urging them to uphold the values of integrity, patriotism and professionalism throughout their service year.
The Director-General further encouraged corps members to take advantage of the post-camp Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, describing it as an important platform for building practical skills and achieving financial independence.
He urged them to identify viable business opportunities within their host communities instead of relying solely on their monthly allowance.
“Be proactive, identify business opportunities within your host communities, and start making some money for yourselves even now,” he said.
Acknowledging the current economic realities facing the country, Nafiu also advised corps members to cultivate prudent financial habits.
He encouraged them to manage their resources carefully and develop a savings culture that would prepare them for life after national service.
“Take your service year as a training ground for future financial management by managing your finances wisely,” he added.
Earlier in her remarks, the NYSC Coordinator in Kogi State, Mrs. Tochi Chika Chris-Moneke, welcomed the Director-General and expressed appreciation for his visit.
She described the visit as evidence of his commitment to improving the welfare, security and working conditions of both corps members and NYSC staff.
Chris-Moneke also disclosed that the Kogi State Secretariat of the scheme had concluded arrangements to organise a workshop for corps employers in the state.
According to her, the workshop is expected to strengthen collaboration between employers and the NYSC while promoting better welfare for corps members.
She further announced that the state secretariat would soon conduct a Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers programme aimed at providing healthcare services to underserved communities across Kogi State.
