By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Director General of National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu has appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission to increase the renumeration of Corps Members that serve as adhoc staff during elections.
He also requested for timely payment of insurance benefits or medical support to Corps Members that pay the supreme sacrifice or suffer injuries on election duties in the country.
He made the appeal today when the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, paid him a visit in his office at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama Abuja.
General Nafiu said granting these requests would encourage more Corps Members to participate in the conduct of elections, and as well perform their roles with more zeal as patriotic Nigerians.
He also urged INEC to expedite action on timely release of names of Corps Members that would serve as electoral officers, adding that this would enable the Scheme to make adequate preparation before the election days.
The DG commended INEC for the support NYSC has enjoyed from the collaboration between both agencies.
He said the Scheme has continued to be part of Nigeria’s democratic process since 1999, though the agreement was formalized in 2011, and the MoU has passed through some renewal since then.
He described Corps Members as “highly competent, credible, neutral and easily trainable set of patriotic manpower with high sense of digital proficiency”, that have the wherewithal to deliver credible elections, whenever called to duty.
The NYSC Chief Executive Officer lauded INEC’s security arrangements for Corps Members during the last Anambra State Gubernatorial election, with the hope that such would be replicated in subsequent elections.
Nafiu stated further that NYSC would continue to play it’s part in strengthening the nation’s democracy.
“We have the sufficient manpower in terms of Corps Members that would provide necessary support for INEC not only for the 2027 general elections, but also the off cycle elections coming up this year, we are on top of our game”.
“The insurance we have for them does not include this kind of assignment, we always count on the insurance that INEC has for them during elections”, General Nafiu stated.
He urged all MDAs, non-governmental bodies, and other good spirited individuals to support INEC to ensure its success.
In his words, “I want to assure you that NYSC is ready and committed to sustain the collaboration for credible elections as well as the growth and development of Nigeria”.
“We will fully mobilize our Corps Members and essential staff for all the upcoming elections and the Scheme takes pride in the success of INEC because your success is our success”.
Earlier, the Chairman of INEC in his remarks described Corps Members as the most dedicated, educated, and patriotic election duty staff, whose presence at the polling units has brought neutrality and public confidence that is irreplaceable.
He reiterated INEC’s commitment to working with NYSC and security agencies to ensure that safety protocol is strictly enforced to protect every Corps Member on election duty.
“We are constantly refining our insurance and welfare packages to reflect the value we place on their lives”.
“As we look forward to the 2027 general elections scheduled for January 16th 2027, l want to emphasize the importance of full Mobilisation and preparedness of NYSC for the national event. Our collective effort is essential to ensure that the electoral process is transparent and credible”.
“For the 2027 general elections, we would need 707,384 Corps Members for the Presidential and National Assembly election on 16th January 2027, the same number would also be required for the Governorship and Houses of Assembly election on 6th February, 2027, making a total of 1,414,768”, Amupitan said.
The INEC boss added that in many States, Corps Members accounted for nearly 90 percent of the commission’s Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers, who did not only facilitate voting, but protected the sanctity of the ballot in 176,846 polling units across the most difficult terrains in the country.
He specifically lauded Corps Members’ output during the Anambra Gubernatorial and FCT Area Council elections, where their digital proficiency ensured the seamless performances of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Amupitan also pledged INEC’s readiness to work closely with NYSC to ensure proper training and Mobilisation of all adhoc staff needed for the remaining 2026 off cycle and 2027 general elections.
In his words, “Our goal is to guarantee a well-organised, efficient and peaceful electoral process, and this can only be achieved through collaboration, commitment and shared responsibility. We look forward to your continued cooperation and partnership in making these elections successful for Nigeria”.
