The Federal Government has approved an additional 50,000 mobilisation slots for the 2026 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme to address the increasing number of graduates awaiting enlistment for national service.
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Olakunle Nafiu, made this known in Abuja during the inauguration of a remodeled clinic at the Scheme’s National Directorate Headquarters. The event also marked the first anniversary of his tenure as the organisation’s chief executive.
According to Nafiu, the newly approved slots have already been incorporated into the NYSC’s 2026 budget, while additional provisions have also been included in the Federal Government’s 2027 budget cycle to improve corps members’ welfare, including better kits, feeding arrangements, and transportation allowances.
In a statement issued by the NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the Director-General disclosed that the scheme aims to mobilise about 450,000 prospective corps members in 2026, while maintaining strict attention to their safety.
“This year, we are mobilising about 450,000 prospective Corps members and, as much as possible, we avoid deploying them to red zones,” Nafiu said, adding that the scheme remains mindful of its responsibility to ensure the safety of corps members.
He expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their growing interest in the NYSC programme and commended governments at all levels for their continued support.
Nafiu also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Yusha’u Ahmed, and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, for facilitating presidential approval of the new ₦77,000 monthly allowance for corps members.
Speaking on the remodelling of the NYSC headquarters clinic, Nafiu explained that the project was part of broader initiatives introduced by his administration to improve staff welfare and operational efficiency.
He highlighted other achievements recorded during his first year in office, including the 2025 staff promotion exercise, which was carried out to enhance career progression and boost staff morale. He also noted that peculiar allowances had been facilitated for employees, retirement benefits paid to disengaged personnel, and new staff recruited to strengthen the organisation’s operational capacity.
The Director-General further disclosed that the scheme recently secured the donation of a compressed natural gas (CNG) bus to improve mobility for staff and corps members.
According to him, the administration has maintained industrial harmony within the organisation through an open-door leadership approach.
Nafiu also revealed plans to strengthen the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme through strategic collaborations. He said the NYSC has partnered with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University to digitise the SAED platform.
Additionally, the scheme has collaborated with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON), and other stakeholders to deepen support for the programme.
“We will continue to strengthen infrastructure, deepen youth empowerment initiatives, enhance welfare and security, and uphold the ideals of fairness, unity and national service that define the NYSC,” Nafiu said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who inaugurated the upgraded clinic, said the improved facility would boost staff welfare and productivity.
He described Nafiu as a hardworking Director-General whose initiatives had produced significant achievements within a short period.
The minister assured that the Ministry of Youth Development would continue to support the NYSC in delivering greater impact for Nigerian youths.
“We are working to transform and reform the NYSC. We are doing everything possible to secure the future of our Corps members,” Olawande said.
He also advised corps members to avoid travelling at night, urging them to seek shelter at the nearest military barracks, police station, or NYSC office whenever they find themselves on the road late at night.
