The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has made a request to the Independent National Electoral Commission to enhance the remuneration for Corps Members serving as ad hoc staff during elections.
Additionally, he has called for the prompt disbursement of insurance benefits or medical assistance to Corps Members who either make the ultimate sacrifice or sustain injuries while performing election duties in the country.
This appeal was made today during a visit from the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to his office at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
General Nafiu expressed that fulfilling these requests would motivate more Corps Members to engage in the electoral process and perform their responsibilities with greater enthusiasm as devoted Nigerians.
He also urged INEC to hasten the release of the names of Corps Members designated to serve as electoral officers, emphasizing that this would allow the Scheme to prepare adequately ahead of election days.
The Director General praised INEC for the support that the NYSC has received through the collaboration between the two agencies.
He noted that the Scheme has been an integral part of Nigeria’s democratic process since 1999, although the formal agreement was established in 2011, and the Memorandum of Understanding has undergone several renewals since that time.
He characterized Corps Members as “highly competent, credible, neutral, and easily trainable individuals with a strong sense of digital proficiency,” who possess the capability to ensure credible elections whenever called upon.
The NYSC Chief Executive Officer commended INEC’s security measures for Corps Members during the recent Anambra State Gubernatorial election, expressing hope that similar arrangements would be implemented in future elections.
Nafiu further stated that the NYSC will persist in its efforts to bolster the nation’s democracy.
“We possess adequate manpower in the form of Corps Members who will offer essential support to INEC, not only for the general elections in 2027 but also for the upcoming off-cycle elections this year; we are fully prepared.”
General Nafiu added, “The insurance we have for them does not cover this type of assignment; we consistently rely on the insurance that INEC provides during elections.”
He called upon all MDAs, non-governmental organizations, and other benevolent individuals to assist INEC in ensuring its success.
He expressed, “I want to assure you that NYSC is prepared and dedicated to maintaining the collaboration for credible elections, as well as the advancement and development of Nigeria.
“We will comprehensively mobilize our Corps Members and key staff for all forthcoming elections, and the Scheme takes pride in INEC’s achievements because your success is our success.”
