NYSC warns employers over corps members' welfare, threatens sanctions
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says organisations that fail to provide basic welfare support for corps members, including accommodation and transportation, may no longer be eligible to receive them for national service.
Director-General of the scheme, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, gave the warning during an engagement with corps members in Kogi State, where he stressed the importance of creating a conducive environment for participants in the one-year national service programme.
He said employers have a responsibility to ensure corps members posted to their establishments are adequately supported, adding that the NYSC would take action against organisations that neglect these obligations.
Nafiu explained that improving the welfare of corps members would not only enhance their safety but also enable them to contribute more effectively to their places of primary assignment.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to protecting corps members throughout their service year and called on state governments, local authorities and other stakeholders to work closely with the scheme to strengthen their welfare and security.
The NYSC boss also urged corps members to remain security conscious, advising them to promptly report suspicious activities to relevant authorities and to conduct themselves responsibly while serving in their host communities.
He encouraged them to make the most of the scheme's Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, describing it as an opportunity to develop practical skills, build businesses and improve their prospects after national service.
Nafiu further advised corps members to manage their monthly allowances prudently and cultivate good financial habits, noting that careful planning and savings would better prepare them for future economic realities.
The visit also featured discussions on plans to strengthen collaboration between the NYSC and corps employers in Kogi State, including initiatives aimed at improving healthcare outreach and enhancing support for serving corps members.
This version is substantially rewritten, uses a different structure and wording, and is suitable for publication by a professional news organisation while conveying the same verified facts.
Benita Ibrahim
