By Peter Omopo
The Federal Government has approved 50,000 additional slots for the 2026 National Youth Service Corps mobilisation to address the growing number of graduates awaiting enlistment into the scheme.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this in Abuja during the inauguration of a remodelled clinic at the scheme’s National Directorate Headquarters to mark his first anniversary in office.
Nafiu said the additional mobilisation slots have already been included in the 2026 budget, adding that further provisions have also been captured in the 2027 federal budget cycle to improve the welfare of corps members.
According to him, the scheme plans to mobilise about 450,000 prospective corps members this year while prioritising their safety during deployment.
He stated that the NYSC avoids deploying corps members to areas considered security red zones in order to safeguard their lives.
Nafiu expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their renewed interest in the scheme and acknowledged the support received from governments at different levels.
He also commended his predecessor, Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, for their roles in securing presidential approval for the new monthly allowance of N77,000 for corps members.
The NYSC boss noted that the upgrade of the clinic at the headquarters forms part of efforts to improve staff welfare and operational efficiency within the organisation.
He added that several reforms had been implemented over the past year, including the 2025 staff promotion exercise aimed at enhancing career progression and boosting staff morale.
According to him, the management also facilitated the payment of peculiar allowances, cleared retirement benefits for disengaged personnel and conducted recruitment to strengthen operational capacity.
Nafiu further disclosed that the scheme received the donation of a compressed natural gas bus to improve mobility for staff and corps members.
He said the administration has maintained industrial harmony through an open-door leadership approach while working to reposition the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme through strategic partnerships.
As part of the initiative, the NYSC has partnered with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University to digitise the SAED platform and expand youth empowerment opportunities.
The scheme has also collaborated with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria and other stakeholders to strengthen support for the programme.
In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who inaugurated the remodelled clinic, said the upgraded facility would improve staff welfare and enhance productivity.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the NYSC in expanding opportunities for Nigerian youths and advised corps members to prioritise their safety, especially while travelling.
