The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has warned employers across Nigeria that organisations failing to provide accommodation and transportation for corps members may be blacklisted from participating in the scheme.
The warning was issued by the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, during a stakeholders’ workshop held in Lokoja, Kogi State, where discussions focused on improving the welfare of corps members serving in various organisations.
Nafiu said the NYSC would not tolerate situations where corps members are posted to organisations that fail to meet their welfare responsibilities, stressing that employers must provide a safe and supportive environment for those serving under the scheme.
He reassured corps members of the Federal Government’s commitment to their welfare and security while calling on state governments, local government authorities and other stakeholders to do more in supporting the NYSC programme.
The NYSC boss also urged corps members to remain security conscious and promptly report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
“Be proactive, identify business opportunities within your host communities, and start making some money for yourselves even now,” Nafiu advised.
He encouraged corps members to take the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously, describing it as an opportunity to acquire practical skills and prepare for life after the service year.
“Take your service year as a training ground for future financial management by managing your finances wisely,” he added.
Nafiu further urged corps members to remain disciplined, dedicated to their assignments and avoid activities capable of tarnishing the image of the scheme.
Also speaking at the event, Kogi State NYSC Coordinator, Tochi Chris-Moneke, thanked the Director-General for the visit, saying it reflected the management’s commitment to the welfare and security of both corps members and NYSC staff.
