Election heroes: NYSC pushes for enhanced welfare, Corps renumeration

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier
General Olakunle Nafiu, has made a passionate appeal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for improved welfare and remuneration for Corps Members who serve as ad-hoc staff during elections.

General Nafiu emphasized that enhanced compensation and timely insurance or medical support are crucial to motivate these young patriots and ensure integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.

During a recent visit by the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, the DG specifically requested an increase in the allowances paid to Corps Members for election duties.

He also called for prompt payment of insurance benefits or medical assistance to those who suffer injuries or make the ultimate sacrifice while on election assignments.

These measures, he argued, would encourage greater participation and inspire Corps Members to perform their roles with even more zeal.

General Nafiu further urged INEC to expedite the release of names of Corps Members designated for electoral duties, allowing the NYSC Scheme adequate time for preparation.
He lauded the long-standing collaboration between NYSC and INEC, noting that Corps Members have been integral to Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, a formalized Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in place since 2011.

Describing Corps Members as “highly competent, credible, neutral and easily trainable set of patriotic manpower with high sense of digital proficiency,” General Nafiu highlighted their capacity to deliver credible elections.

He commended INEC’s security arrangements during the last Anambra State Gubernatorial election, expressed hope for similar provisions in future polls.
In response, INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Corps Members, labeling them as the most dedicated, educated, and patriotic election duty staff.

He affirmed that their presence at polling units brings an irreplaceable sense of neutrality and public confidence.

Professor Amupitan reiterated INEC’s commitment to working with NYSC and security agencies to ensure the safety of every Corps Member on election duty, stating,
“We are constantly refining our insurance and welfare packages to reflect the value we place on their lives.”

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, scheduled for January 16th and February 6th, 2027, Prof Amupitan underscored the critical need for full mobilization and preparedness from NYSC.

He revealed that INEC would require a staggering 1,414,768 Corps Members for both the Presidential/National Assembly and Governorship/Houses of Assembly elections.
He further highlighted that in many states, Corps Members constitute nearly 90 percent of commission’s Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers, who diligently facilitate voting and protect the sanctity of the ballot across challenging terrains.

The INEC boss specifically praised the digital proficiency of Corps Members during the Anambra Gubernatorial and FCT Area Council elections, which ensured the seamless performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

He pledged INEC’s readiness to collaborate closely with NYSC for proper training and mobilization of all ad-hoc
staff for the remaining 2026 off-cycle and 2027 general elections, emphasizing that a wellorganized, efficient, and peaceful electoral process hinges on collective commitment and shared responsibility.