The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has directed employers across Nigeria to pay corps members a minimum monthly allowance of ₦20,000, while also improving their welfare, security, workplace training, and leadership development to enhance the quality of the service year.
The directive was announced on Tuesday during the 2026 NYSC Corps Employers’ Workshop, held simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at the workshop in Abia State, the NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, represented by the NYSC State Coordinator in Abia, Mr. Yunusa Tanimu, said employers play a critical role in shaping the experiences of corps members.
He noted that improved workplace conditions would enhance productivity, boost morale, and strengthen the overall success of the NYSC scheme.
The workshop, themed “Fine-Tuning Stakeholders’ Collaboration to Enhance Corps Members’ Welfare and Workplace Experience,”focused on deepening collaboration between the NYSC and employers.
In his address, Nafiu said the workplace serves as the primary environment where corps members acquire practical experience and develop professional competencies. He explained that the quality of their workplace experience directly influences their productivity, morale, and perception of the NYSC scheme.
He reminded employers of their obligations under the NYSC Act, including the provision of accommodation or accommodation allowance, transportation support, security, and healthcare services for corps members.
The Director-General also urged employers to release corps members for Community Development Service (CDS) activities and other official NYSC programmes.
He commended organisations that have consistently supported corps members and encouraged others to foster workplaces that are inclusive and free from discrimination, exploitation, and harassment.
“The welfare of corps members extends beyond physical needs,” Nafiu said.
“It encompasses their safety, mental well-being, professional development, and sense of belonging.”
Also speaking, the Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Chief Nwaobilor Ananaba, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Jane Igwe, expressed concern over reports that some corps members experience rejection, ridicule, and unfair treatment at their places of primary assignment.
He urged employers to treat corps members with dignity and recognise them as future leaders. He also reminded employers to provide transportation, accommodation or accommodation allowance, as well as monthly stipends to complement the allowance paid by the Federal Government.
According to him, the Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti, remains committed to improving the welfare and living standards of corps members serving in the state.
Earlier, Tanimu said the workshop was organised to strengthen cooperation between the NYSC and employers while identifying practical solutions to challenges affecting corps members’ welfare.
He announced that, in view of the country’s prevailing economic realities, the NYSC would no longer accept employers paying less than ₦20,000 as a monthly allowance to any corps member.
“We therefore appeal to all corps employers to support this policy in good faith, as it is intended to safeguard the welfare, dignity, and productivity of our corps members,” Tanimu said.
During the workshop, participants identified delayed payment of stipends, poor accommodation, inadequate mentorship, and disrespect in the workplace as some of the major challenges affecting corps members.
The stakeholders agreed to strengthen collaboration, improve feedback mechanisms, and adopt best practices to make the service year more rewarding, productive, and professionally enriching for corps members across the country.
