2027: Enhance welfare of corps members used as ad hoc staff – NYSC to INEC
NYS Director General Requests Increased Compensation for Corps Members During Elections
ABUJA — Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance the remuneration for corps members serving as ad hoc staff during elections.
Nafiu made this request during a meeting with INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters, emphasizing the importance of timely disbursement of insurance benefits or medical assistance for corps members who are injured or make the ultimate sacrifice while performing election duties.
He stated that improving financial compensation would encourage greater participation among corps members in the electoral process, allowing them to carry out their responsibilities with increased enthusiasm.
Nafiu also pressed INEC to expedite the release of names of corps members assigned as electoral officers, which would enable the NYSC to prepare effectively for upcoming elections.
He praised the ongoing collaboration between NYSC and INEC, identifying the NYSC as a vital component of Nigeria’s democratic process since 1999, with a formal agreement established in 2011 that has since been renewed several times.
Highlighting the capabilities of corps members, Nafiu described them as “highly competent, credible, neutral, and easily trainable individuals with strong digital proficiency,” equipped to contribute to credible elections.
The NYSC Director General commended the security arrangements made for corps members during the recent Anambra State governorship election, expressing hope that similar measures would be in place for future elections.
Nafiu reaffirmed NYSC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democracy and stated that the agency is prepared to mobilize corps members and staff for the general elections in 2027, as well as for upcoming off-cycle elections this year.
He also noted that while the current insurance for corps members does not cover election assignments, they rely on provisions made by INEC during these events.
Nafiu called on all ministries, departments, agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to support INEC in ensuring successful elections, reiterating, “We are committed to strengthening the collaboration for credible elections and the advancement of Nigeria. Your success is our success.”
