The Federal Government has approved an additional 50,000 slots for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilization in 2026, a move to accommodate increase in number of graduates awaiting national service.
The announcement was made by NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, during the inauguration of a remodeled clinic at the Scheme’s National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement commemorating his first year in office, Brigadier General Nafiu confirmed that the expanded capacity has been factored into the Scheme’s 2026 budget.
He also revealed that the Federal Government’s 2027 budget will include provisions to enhance the quality of kits, feeding, and transportation allowances for Corps members.
The NYSC aims to mobilize approximately 450,000 prospective Corps members this year, with a continued emphasis on their safety and security.
“This year, we are mobilizing about 450,000 prospective Corps members and, as much as possible, we avoid deploying them to red zones,” he stated. 
“We remain mindful because we owe parents the responsibility of safeguarding the lives of their children.”
During the event, the Director-General expressed his gratitude for the renewed public interest in the NYSC and the consistent support from all levels of government.
He also acknowledged his predecessor, Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, and the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, for their instrumental roles in securing presidential approval for the new N77,000 monthly allowance for Corps members.
The remodeled headquarters clinic is one of several initiatives introduced by the current administration to improve staff welfare and operational efficiency.
Other key accomplishments from the past year include the 2025 staff promotion exercise, the facilitation of peculiar allowances for staff, the timely payment of retirement benefits, and a successful recruitment drive to bolster the organization’s workforce.
Additionally, the Scheme received a compressed natural gas (CNG) bus to improve transportation for both staff and Corps members.Brigadier General Nafiu highlighted the administration’s commitment to fostering a positive work environment through an open-door leadership style, which has maintained industrial harmony within the organization.
He also outlined ongoing efforts to reposition the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program through strategic partnerships, including a collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University to digitize the SAED platform.
“We will continue to strengthen infrastructure, deepen youth empowerment initiatives, enhance welfare and security, and uphold the ideals of fairness, unity, and national service that define the NYSC,” Nafiu affirmed.In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, who officially inaugurated the clinic, praised the Director-General for his impactful leadership and dedication to staff welfare.
He assured that the Ministry would continue to support the NYSC in its mission to empower Nigerian youths.“We are working to transform and reform the NYSC,” the Minister said.
“We are doing everything possible to secure the future of our Corps members”, while advised Corps members to prioritize their safety by avoiding night travel and seeking refuge at the nearest military barracks, police station, or NYSC office when on the road late at night.
