By Arnold Chukwu

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged state governments in the country to build transit lodges for corps members to expand accommodation provided for them.

The Director General of the Corps, Brig -Gen Olakunle Nafiu made in a message to the 2025 NYSC/ Corps Employers Workshop in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital noting that the welfare and security of corps members were top priority.

Nafiu, represented by the Deputy Director Operations, NYSC South East Area Office 1, Enugu urged Local Government Areas (LGAs) to build permanent corps lodges in their domains.

“The NYSC enabling law Cap N84 LFN 2004 is explicit on what constitutes welfare provisions for corps members.

“Corp employers should provide accommodation, pay transport allowance, provide healthcare as applicable to regular staff and healthy work environment.

“Establishments and organisations requiring corp members services must meet these obligations even before applying for their services.”

The NYSC DG further highlighted that accommodation and places of primary assignment must be in locations where corps members lives and properties are secured.

“Findings from inspection visits to corps locations and lodges have shown lack of commitment to these critical requirements.

“This pervasive negligence has made corps employers unable to account for the whereabouts of corps members.

“This has increased truancy and rampant escalation in numbers of corps members who evade the mandatory service year,” he said.

Gov. Francis Nwifuru represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Chief Richard Idike said the state government would continue enhancing corps members welfare.

“We will enhance their monthly stipend programme and I solicit their patience on this.

“We are also ensuring their security across the state because they deserve the best as youths serving their fatherland,” he said.

Mrs Oladeinde Foluke, the NYSC Ebonyi Coordinator said the workshop provides a veritable platform for both parties to exchange ideas on areas of administration, welfare and security of corps members.

“This year’s theme “Strenghtning NYSC/ corps employers partnership for improved mutual benefits, is timely and strategic.

“This reminds us of the vital need to consolidate our collaboration, improve synergy and prioritise the wellbeing and development of corps members,” she said.

Lectures were delivered on the occasion by scholars on the way to enhance the NYSC/ corps employers relationship.