The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Olakunle Nafiu, has appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission to improve the remuneration of corps members engaged as ad hoc staff during elections.
He also requested the prompt payment of insurance benefits and medical support for corps members who sustain injuries or lose their lives while participating in election duties across the country.
Nafiu made the appeal during a visit by the Chairman of INEC, Joash Amupitan, to the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
According to the NYSC Director General, improving the welfare of corps members involved in election assignments would encourage greater participation and motivate them to perform their duties with increased dedication and patriotism.
He further urged INEC to release the names of corps members selected as electoral officers early enough to enable the scheme make adequate preparations before election days.
Nafiu commended INEC for the existing collaboration between both agencies and noted that the NYSC has remained actively involved in Nigeria’s democratic process since 1999.
He explained that although the collaboration became formalised in 2011 through a Memorandum of Understanding, the partnership has continued to grow through several renewals of the agreement.
Describing corps members as competent and reliable, Nafiu said they possess the skills and neutrality required to support credible elections nationwide.
According to him, corps members are “highly competent, credible, neutral, and easily trainable individuals with strong digital proficiency.”
The NYSC boss also praised the security arrangements put in place for corps members during the recent Anambra governorship election and expressed hope that similar measures would be maintained in future polls.
He assured INEC that the scheme remains fully prepared to deploy corps members and staff for future elections, including off-cycle polls and the 2027 general elections.
“We possess adequate manpower in the form of corps members who will offer essential support to INEC, not only for the general elections in 2027 but also for the upcoming off-cycle elections this year; we are fully prepared,” he said.
Nafiu also disclosed that the insurance coverage available to corps members under the NYSC does not fully cover election-related assignments, making INEC’s support crucial during such operations.
“The insurance we have for them does not cover this type of assignment; we consistently rely on the insurance that INEC provides during elections,” he added.
He further called on government agencies, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to support INEC in ensuring successful elections across the country.
“I want to assure you that NYSC is prepared and committed to sustaining the collaboration for credible elections, as well as the advancement and development of Nigeria,” he said.
“We will fully mobilize our corps members and key staff for all forthcoming elections, and the scheme takes pride in INEC’s achievements because your success is our success.”
