The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Olakunle Nafiu, has reaffirmed that corps members are fully covered by a comprehensive insurance package throughout their service year.
Nafiu made the statement on Wednesday in Abuja during a visit by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Ndace, highlighting that the welfare package includes both life insurance and medical care.
He explained that the Federal Government has put measures in place to ensure corps members enjoy a safe and memorable service experience, with the insurance scheme also covering cases beyond standard health coverage.
Citing past interventions, Nafiu noted that ₦28 million was paid to save a pregnant corps member and her unborn child following a spinal cord injury from a road accident. Additionally, ₦33 million was provided for prosthetic arms for another corps member injured in a road crash while traveling to his primary assignment.
“Since 2004, every corps member has been covered by comprehensive insurance, including health and life coverage. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) ensures that corps members receive medical attention whenever necessary,” he said.
He added, “From the moment call-up letters are issued, before corps members even begin their journey from their homes, they are already insured.”
Nafiu also warned against the spread of unverified reports about the scheme, urging journalists to verify information with the NYSC before publication.
He further explained that the NYSC’s posting policy is designed to meet national needs, ensuring that all states benefit from corps members’ contributions, particularly in healthcare and education. He emphasized that corps members’ participation in national assignments, including elections, sensitization campaigns, and census exercises, has been widely commended both locally and internationally.
Assuring that corps members will not be deployed to unsafe areas, Nafiu stressed that the scheme remains apolitical and non-religious, reinforcing its role in promoting national unity.
He also commended Ndace for his leadership and efforts in transforming the media landscape through digital innovation, while appreciating the media for its continued support.
Earlier, Ndace congratulated Nafiu on his appointment and praised his leadership style. “General Nafiu has demonstrated modern leadership. I commend the NYSC management, as no leader succeeds without the support of their team,” he said.
“At the Voice of Nigeria, our mandate is to project Nigeria’s image, perspectives, and values to the global community. We currently broadcast in eight Nigerian languages,” Ndace added. He reaffirmed VON’s commitment to partnering with NYSC on content development and youth-focused programming, pledging to amplify corps members’ activities and showcase the scheme’s initiatives to a global audience.
