NYSC Urges Employers to Provide Transport Refunds, Accommodation for Corps Members

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged employers of corps members to take greater responsibility for their welfare, including covering transportation costs and providing accommodation to enhance their service delivery.

Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, the Director General of NYSC, made the appeal on Thursday in Bauchi during the 2025 NYSC/Corps Employers’ Workshop organized by the scheme. He emphasized that employers should either pick up corps members directly from orientation camps or refund their transport fare if they fail to do so.

The DG, who was represented by the Director of the Northeast Area Office 1, Bauchi, Agatha Banki, also noted that offering comfortable accommodation or paying allowances in lieu of it would significantly encourage corps members to remain dedicated to their assignments.

“The provision of comfortable accommodation for corps members by their employers or payment in lieu of accommodation would go a long way in compelling the corps members to provide adequate and effective service delivery,” he said.

He described the annual workshop as a strategic platform for corps employers and NYSC operators to exchange ideas and resolve challenges that affect the programme’s implementation.

“From addressing grey areas to enhancing healthy relationships between our various organisations, the workshops always produce ideas and recommendations that are factored into the operations of the Scheme.
I am convinced that the 2025 workshop would not be any different,” he stated.

General Nafiu further outlined the core responsibilities of corps employers, including providing accommodation, paying transportation allowances, ensuring access to healthcare as available to regular staff, and maintaining a healthy work environment.

He stressed the importance of the workshop’s outcomes, calling for actionable steps to strengthen collaboration between the scheme and employers.

“You must hammer out more effective formats of communication among our organisations and come up with implementable solutions to the numerous problems that challenge corps administration and proffer solutions.
I call on you to make individual and collective contributions in shaping the nation-building efforts of the corps members,” he added.

Earlier in the event, Bauchi State NYSC Coordinator, Umoren Kufre, reiterated the scheme’s commitment to mutual development through strong partnerships with corps employers.

“Strengthening our partnership is not merely a desirable goal but a necessity for fostering empowerment, innovation, and social responsibility.
Throughout this workshop, we will engage in critical discussions, share experiences, and explore best practices that will help us strengthen our bonds and enhance the effectiveness of the NYSC in serving both corps members and the labour market,” he said.