By Richard Benjamin
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Wednesday urged governments, corps employers and other stakeholders at the 2026 NYSC Corps Employers’ Workshop in Lokoja, Kogi State, to strengthen collaboration to improve the welfare and workplace experience of corps members nationwide.
The Director General of the scheme, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, made the call at the 2026 NYSC Corps Employers’ Workshop held in Lokoja, Kogi State, where he stressed that effective partnerships are critical to achieving the objectives of the scheme.
Represented by Mr Maxwell Isa, Nafiu said employers play a key role in ensuring corps members have a productive and rewarding service year by providing a conducive work environment, meaningful responsibilities and opportunities for professional development.
He urged organisations to assign corps members duties that align with their qualifications while offering mentorship, supervision and practical learning experiences to enhance their employability after national service.
The NYSC boss also reminded employers of their obligations under the NYSC Act, including providing accommodation or allowances in lieu, transportation support where applicable, ensuring the welfare and security of corps members, and allowing participation in Community Development Service (CDS) and other official NYSC programmes.
According to him, corps members’ welfare extends beyond physical needs to include mental well-being, professional growth, inclusion and protection from discrimination, harassment and exploitation.
Earlier, the Kogi State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Tochi Chris-Moneke, identified poor communication between employers and the scheme, inadequate accommodation, insecurity, rejection of corps members and poor welfare as some of the challenges affecting effective service delivery.
She urged stakeholders to address the issues by creating supportive work environments, providing necessary facilities, ensuring prompt payment of allowances where applicable, and fostering a culture of respect and mentorship.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Gbenga Ibileye, said the institution currently engages more than 92 corps members across its departments and occasionally retains outstanding participants as full-time employees after their service year.
The workshop brought together corps employers, government officials, representatives of tertiary institutions and private sector organisations to discuss practical strategies for improving the welfare and workplace experience of corps members nationwide.
