THE National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced plans to blacklist employers who fail to provide accommodation and transportation for corps members posted to serve with them.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Director-General of the scheme, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, made the disclosure during an interaction with corps members in Kogi State as part of his working visit to the state.
The announcement was contained in a statement shared on the NYSC’s social media platforms on Tuesday.
According to Nafiu, organisations that fail to provide the required welfare support for corps members would no longer enjoy the services of the scheme.
“Any employer who did not provide accommodation and transportation for Corps Members would be blacklisted from enjoying Corps services,” he said.
The NYSC Director-General urged employers to improve the welfare of corps members under their care, stressing that adequate support would boost their productivity and overall well-being during the service year.
He also assured corps members of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to their welfare and security.
“The Federal Government is resolutely committed to your security and welfare,” Nafiu said, while appealing to state and local governments, as well as other stakeholders, to provide greater support for the scheme.
The NYSC boss reminded corps members that security remains a collective responsibility and urged them to remain vigilant by promptly reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate security agencies.
“Security is everyone’s business,” he said.
Nafiu further advised corps members to remain disciplined and dedicated to their duties, warning them against acts capable of tarnishing the image and reputation of the NYSC.
He also encouraged them to take the post-camp Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously, describing it as a vital opportunity for self-reliance and economic empowerment.
“Be proactive, identify business opportunities within your host communities, and start making some money for yourselves even now,” he said.
Acknowledging the prevailing economic challenges in the country, the NYSC Director-General urged corps members to cultivate prudent financial habits and embrace a culture of savings.
“Take your service year as a training ground for future financial management by managing your finances wisely,” he added.
Earlier, the NYSC Coordinator in Kogi State, Mrs Tochi Chika Chris-Moneke, commended the Director-General for the visit, noting that it reflected his commitment to the welfare and security of both corps members and staff.
She also disclosed that the Kogi State secretariat was making arrangements to organise a workshop for corps employers, as well as a Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers programme, in the coming weeks.