By LEONARD OKACHIE

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged employers nationwide to prioritise the welfare, security, leadership development and workplace training of corps members to enhance service delivery and professional growth. The Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, made the call on Tuesday during the 2026 NYSC Corps Employers’ Workshop held simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

In Abia, Nafiu’s address was delivered by the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr Yunusa Tanimu.

The workshop, themed “Fine-Tuning Stakeholders’ Collaboration to Enhance Corps Members’ Welfare and Workplace Experience,” focused on strengthening partnerships between the scheme and employers.

Nafiu said the workplace remained the primary platform through which corps members acquired practical experience and professional skills.

According to him, the quality of workplace experience directly influences corps members’ productivity, morale and perception of the scheme.

He reminded employers of their statutory responsibilities under the NYSC Act, including the provision of accommodation or allowance in lieu, transportation support, security and healthcare services.

The director-general also emphasised the need for employers to release corps members for Community Development Service (CDS) activities and other official NYSC programmes.

He commended employers who had consistently supported corps members and urged others to create inclusive and conducive workplaces free from discrimination, exploitation and harassment.

“The welfare of corps members extends beyond physical needs.

“It encompasses their safety, mental well-being, professional development and sense of belonging.”

Also speaking, the Abia Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Chief Nwaobilor Ananaba, expressed concern over reports of corps members being subjected to rejection, ridicule and unethical treatment in some workplaces.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Jane Igwe, Ananaba urged employers to treat corps members with dignity and recognise them as future leaders.

He also reminded employers of their obligation to provide transportation, accommodation or accommodation allowance, as well as monthly stipends to complement the Federal Government allowance.

“The Abia Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, remains committed to improving the living standards of corps members posted to the state.”

Earlier, Tanimu said the workshop was designed to deepen collaboration and develop practical solutions to challenges affecting corps members’ welfare.

He announced that, in view of prevailing economic realities, the scheme would no longer accept less than N20,000 as monthly allowance from any employer to a corps member.

“We therefore appeal to all Corps Employers to support this policy in good faith, as it is intended to safeguard the welfare, dignity and productivity of our corps members.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants at the workshop identified delayed stipends, poor accommodation, inadequate mentorship and workplace disrespect as major challenges affecting corps members.

The stakeholders resolved to strengthen collaboration, improve feedback mechanisms and adopt best practices aimed at making the service year more rewarding and productive for corps members nationwide. (NAN)

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