By ThankGod Inalegwu
The Federal Government has approved 50,000 additional mobilisation slots for the 2026 cycle of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as part of efforts to reduce the growing backlog of Nigerian graduates awaiting national service.
The Director-General of the scheme, Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this in Abuja during the inauguration of a renovated clinic at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters, an event that formed part of activities marking his first year in office.
According to Nafiu, the additional mobilisation slots have already been incorporated into the scheme’s 2026 budget, while further provisions have been captured in the Federal Government’s 2027 fiscal plan to enhance the welfare of corps members.
He explained that the NYSC plans to mobilise approximately 450,000 prospective corps members in 2026, reflecting the steady rise in the number of graduates produced by Nigerian universities and polytechnics.
“The Federal Government has approved 50,000 additional mobilisation slots for 2026 to accommodate the rising number of graduates waiting for national service,” Nafiu said.
Despite the expansion, the NYSC boss stressed that the scheme would continue to prioritise the safety of corps members by avoiding deployments to areas facing severe security challenges. He noted that corps members would not be posted to locations classified as security “red zones.”
“We are conscious of security concerns. As much as possible, we avoid posting corps members to red zones because we owe parents the responsibility of protecting their children,” he added.
Nafiu further revealed that the Federal Government has made arrangements in the 2027 budget to improve the welfare of corps members. Planned improvements include enhanced service kits, better feeding arrangements and increased transportation allowances.
He also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Yusha’u Ahmed, and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, for facilitating presidential approval of the new monthly allowance of ₦77,000 for corps members.
Reflecting on his first year in office, Nafiu highlighted several reforms introduced to strengthen the operational capacity of the NYSC. These include the remodelling of the headquarters clinic, which he said was part of a broader strategy to improve staff welfare and boost organisational efficiency.
Other measures implemented under his leadership include the 2025 staff promotion exercise, payment of retirement benefits to disengaged personnel and the recruitment of additional staff to address manpower needs within the organisation.
The Director-General also revealed that the scheme recently received a donated compressed natural gas (CNG) bus to improve transportation for both staff and corps members.
In addition, Nafiu said the NYSC is repositioning its Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme through strategic partnerships aimed at promoting youth entrepreneurship. He disclosed that the scheme has partnered with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University to digitise the programme’s platform, enabling wider access to entrepreneurship training and digital business tools.
He added that the NYSC has strengthened collaboration with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria to deepen institutional support for its activities.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Olawande, said the upgraded clinic would significantly improve staff welfare and boost productivity within the organisation. He commended Nafiu’s leadership, noting that several reforms had been implemented within a short period.
The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening the NYSC and expanding its role in youth development across the country.
“We are working to transform and reform the NYSC. Everything possible is being done to secure the future of our corps members,” Olawande said.
He also advised corps members to avoid travelling at night due to security risks, urging them to seek refuge at the nearest military barracks, police station or NYSC office if they are unable to reach their destination before nightfall.
As Nigeria continues to record increasing numbers of graduates and face rising youth unemployment challenges, the expansion of NYSC mobilisation capacity is expected to help absorb more graduates into the national service framework while sustaining one of the country’s longest-running youth integration programmes