The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission to improve the welfare and payment of corps members engaged as ad hoc staff during elections.
He also called for quicker payment of insurance claims and medical support for corps members who suffer injuries or lose their lives while participating in election duties across the country.
General Nafiu made the appeal during a meeting with the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
According to him, better welfare packages and timely support for affected corps members would encourage more young Nigerians to take part in election duties with commitment and patriotism.
The NYSC boss also urged INEC to release the list of corps members selected for election assignments early enough to allow proper planning and preparation before polling days.
He praised the long-standing partnership between NYSC and INEC, noting that corps members have continued to play a major role in Nigeria’s democratic process over the years.
Nafiu described corps members as intelligent, neutral, disciplined, and technologically skilled individuals capable of supporting the conduct of free and credible elections.
He further commended INEC for the security arrangements provided for corps members during the last governorship election in Anambra State and expressed hope that similar protection would be maintained in future elections.
The NYSC Director-General assured INEC that the scheme is fully prepared to provide manpower support for upcoming off-cycle elections and the 2027 general elections.
According to him, thousands of corps members remain available to assist in different electoral responsibilities whenever called upon.
He also revealed that the regular insurance package provided by NYSC does not fully cover election assignments, making INEC’s insurance support very important during election periods.
Nafiu called on government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders to continue supporting INEC to ensure peaceful, transparent, and successful elections in Nigeria.
He added that NYSC remains committed to strengthening democracy and will continue mobilising corps members and staff to support the nation’s electoral process.