FG Approves 50,000 Additional Slots for 2026 NYSC Mobilization

The Federal Government has approved an additional 50,000 slots for the 2026 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilization in response to the growing number of graduates awaiting enlistment for the national service.

Official Announcement

The Director-General (DG) of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this in Abuja during the inauguration of the remodelled Clinic at the Scheme's National Directorate Headquarters in commemoration of the first anniversary of his assumption of duty as its Chief Executive.

Key Highlights

• Additional slots: 50,000 extra positions approved for 2026 mobilization
• Total target: About 450,000 prospective Corps members for 2026
• Monthly allowance: N77,000 confirmed for Corps members
• Budget provisions: Extra slots captured in the 2026 budget
• 2027 improvements: Further provisions secured for improved kits, feeding and transportation allowances

Safety Measures

The DG emphasized the Scheme's commitment to Corps members' safety:

"This year, we are mobilizing about 450,000 prospective Corps members and, as much as possible, we avoid deploying them to red zones. We remain mindful because we owe parents the responsibility of safeguarding the lives of their children."

Staff Welfare and Development

General Nafiu also highlighted achievements under his leadership:

• 2025 staff promotion exercise conducted
• Peculiar allowances facilitated for staff
• Retirement benefits paid to disengaged personnel
• Recruitment exercise successfully carried out
• Compressed natural gas (CNG) bus donated for staff and Corps members mobility

SAED Programme Repositioning

Efforts are underway to reposition the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme through strategic partnerships:

• Partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University to digitise the SAED platform
• Collaboration with the Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF)
• Partnership with the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON)

Minister's Remarks

The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, commended General Nafiu's welfare-driven leadership and assured continued support for the Scheme.

He also advised Corps members on safety:

"When you are travelling and it is getting late, locate the nearest military barracks, police station or NYSC office and spend the night there."

What This Means for Graduates

This approval is good news for Nigerian graduates awaiting NYSC mobilization. The increased slots and improved allowances demonstrate the Federal Government's commitment to youth development and the national service programme.