NYSC DG Pushes Better Election Welfare for Corps Members

FELICIA ONAH, Abuja

Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve the welfare package and remuneration of corps members deployed for election duties across the country.

Nafiu made the appeal in Abuja during a visit by the Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, to the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama.

The NYSC boss urged the electoral commission to increase allowances paid to corps members serving as ad hoc staff during elections, saying better welfare would encourage greater participation and commitment among young Nigerians involved in the electoral process.

He also appealed for timely payment of insurance benefits and medical support for corps members who sustain injuries or lose their lives while participating in election duties.

According to him, adequate welfare and prompt support for affected personnel would boost morale and reassure corps members assigned to sensitive electoral responsibilities.

“Granting these requests would encourage more corps members to participate in the conduct of elections and perform their roles with more zeal as patriotic Nigerians,” Nafiu said.

He further urged INEC to release the names of corps members selected for election duties early enough to enable the NYSC make proper preparations before polling dates.

The director-general commended the long-standing collaboration between the NYSC and INEC, describing corps members as credible, neutral and technologically skilled personnel capable of supporting transparent elections.

He noted that the partnership between both agencies had continued to play a significant role in Nigeria’s democratic process since 1999, although the formal memorandum of understanding was signed in 2011.

Nafiu praised the security arrangements provided for corps members during the last governorship election in Anambra State and expressed hope that similar measures would be maintained in future elections.

“We have sufficient manpower in terms of corps members that would provide necessary support for INEC not only for the 2027 general elections, but also the off-cycle elections coming up this year,” he stated.

He explained that the regular insurance coverage provided by the NYSC does not fully cover election assignments, making INEC’s support critical during such national exercises.

“The insurance we have for them does not include this kind of assignment. We always count on the insurance that INEC has for them during elections,” he added.

Nafiu reaffirmed the readiness of the NYSC to continue supporting the conduct of credible elections across the country.

“We will fully mobilise our corps members and essential staff for all the upcoming elections and the scheme takes pride in the success of INEC because your success is our success,” he said.

In his remarks, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, described corps members as some of the most reliable and patriotic personnel involved in election management in Nigeria.

According to him, their neutrality and commitment have helped strengthen public confidence in the electoral process over the years.

He said INEC would continue to work with the NYSC and security agencies to ensure the safety of corps members deployed for election duties.

“We are constantly refining our insurance and welfare packages to reflect the value we place on their lives,” Amupitan stated.

The INEC chairman disclosed that the commission would require over 1.4 million corps members for the 2027 general elections.

He explained that 707,384 corps members would be needed for the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the same number would also be deployed for the governorship and state assembly elections fixed for February 6, 2027.

According to him, corps members currently account for nearly 90 per cent of Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers in many states across the country.

Amupitan also commended the performance of corps members during the Anambra governorship and Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, particularly their handling of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

He assured the NYSC of INEC’s commitment to strengthening collaboration ahead of the remaining off-cycle elections in 2026 and the 2027 general elections.

“Our goal is to guarantee a well-organised, efficient and peaceful electoral process, and this can only be achieved through collaboration, commitment and shared responsibility,” he said.