The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced plans to stop posting corps members to organisations that fail to provide adequate welfare for them, signalling a tougher approach to protecting the interests of Nigerian graduates during their service year.
The decision was disclosed by the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, during his working visit to Kogi State, where he addressed corps members and other stakeholders and later shared on the Scheme’s official X (formerly Twitter) account. According to the agency, employers that neglect their responsibilities particularly in providing accommodation and transportation where necessary risk being blacklisted from participating in the NYSC programme.
“Any employer who did not provide accommodation and transportation for Corps Members would be blacklisted from enjoying Corps services,” Nafiu stated.
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The announcement comes amid growing conversations about the welfare of corps members across the country. While many organisations provide a supportive working environment and additional benefits, others have repeatedly been criticised for leaving corps members to shoulder accommodation and transportation costs despite existing expectations under the NYSC scheme.
By introducing the planned blacklist, the NYSC appears determined to ensure that employers who benefit from the skills and services of corps members also fulfil their own obligations. The move is expected to encourage organisations to take the welfare of corps members more seriously and create safer, more conducive workplaces.
The Scheme emphasised that corps members deserve an environment that allows them to carry out their national assignment without unnecessary financial and logistical burdens. Basic welfare, including suitable accommodation where applicable and support for transportation, remains an important part of creating a productive service experience.
While addressing the corps members, Nafiu also reassured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to their welfare and security. He called on state governments, local government authorities, community leaders and other stakeholders to continue supporting the objectives of the NYSC.
He reminded corps members that security is everyone’s responsibility and urged them to remain vigilant by promptly reporting suspicious activities to the relevant security agencies.
Beyond welfare issues, the NYSC also reminded corps members to remain disciplined, committed and responsible throughout their service year. The agency urged them to uphold the values of the Scheme, respect the laws of their host communities and make the most of opportunities available during service.He warned against actions capable of tarnishing the image of the NYSC and advised them to be worthy ambassadors of their families, institutions and the nation.
The Director-General encouraged corps members to actively participate in the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, describing it as one of the most valuable aspects of the national service. He noted that acquiring practical and entrepreneurial skills would better prepare young graduates for self-employment and long-term career growth in Nigeria’s evolving economy.
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According to him, corps members should identify business opportunities within their host communities instead of relying solely on paid employment after completing the programme. He also advised them to cultivate prudent financial habits by managing and saving their monthly income wisely.
The planned blacklisting serves as a clear warning to organisations that engage corps members without providing the minimum welfare expected under the NYSC scheme. Employers who fail to provide accommodation and transportation risk losing the privilege of receiving corps members in future postings.
The policy is expected to strengthen accountability among corps employers while ensuring that corps members can serve in safer and more conducive working environments.
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The NYSC’s decision to blacklist unfriendly corps employers represents another significant step towards improving the welfare of Nigerian graduates during their mandatory national service. If effectively implemented, the policy could help reduce complaints about poor treatment, encourage responsible participation by employers and reinforce the Scheme’s commitment to the well-being of corps members across the country.
