The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced plans to sanction employers who fail to provide accommodation and transportation for corps members posted to their organisations.
The Director-General of the scheme, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this during an interaction with corps members on a working visit to Kogi State.
According to a statement shared on the NYSC’s official social media platforms on Tuesday, Nafiu said employers who fail to meet their welfare obligations would no longer be allowed to enjoy the services of corps members.
“Any employer who did not provide accommodation and transportation for Corps Members would be blacklisted from enjoying Corps services,” he said.
He urged organisations employing corps members to prioritise their welfare, stressing that adequate support would improve their productivity and well-being throughout the service year.
The NYSC Director-General also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the security and welfare of corps members nationwide.
“The Federal Government is resolutely committed to your security and welfare,” he said, while calling on state and local governments, as well as other stakeholders, to strengthen their support for the scheme.
Nafiu reminded corps members that security is everyone’s responsibility and urged them to promptly report suspicious activities to the appropriate security agencies.
He also advised them to remain disciplined, committed to their primary assignments and avoid actions capable of tarnishing the image of the NYSC.
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 opportunity to become self-reliant.
“Be proactive, identify business opportunities within your host communities, and start making some money for yourselves even now,” he said.
Acknowledging the country’s current economic realities, Nafiu also advised corps members to cultivate a savings culture.
“Take your service year as a training ground for future financial management by managing your finances wisely,” he added.
Earlier, the NYSC Coordinator in Kogi State, Mrs. Tochi Chika Chris-Moneke, commended the Director-General for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of his commitment to the welfare and security of corps members and staff.
She also disclosed that the state secretariat plans to organise a corps employers’ workshop and a Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers programme in the coming weeks.
