FG Approves 50,000 Additional Slots for 2026 NYSC Mobilization: 450,000 Corps Members Expected

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved 50,000 additional slots for the 2026 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilization exercise, bringing the total expected number of Corps members to approximately 450,000 for the year.

Announcement Details

The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this development during the inauguration of the remodelled Clinic at the Scheme's National Directorate Headquarters. He confirmed that the additional 50,000 slots have already been captured in the Scheme's 2026 budget.

Reason for the Increase

The additional slots are in response to the growing number of graduates awaiting enlistment for the national service. This expansion aims to reduce the backlog and ensure more graduates can participate in the mandatory one-year service programme.

Corps Members' Allowance

The current monthly allowance for Corps members stands at ₦77,000. This increase was facilitated by the previous NYSC leadership and the current Minister of Youth Development.

Future Improvements

The Director-General also revealed that further provisions have been secured in the 2027 Federal Government budget to enhance:

• Corps members' kits
• Feeding allowances
• Transportation allowances

Safety Measures

The NYSC management reiterated that safety remains a top priority. The Scheme continues to avoid deploying Corps members to areas designated as "red zones" due to security concerns.

Skills Development

The NYSC is repositioning its Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme through strategic partnerships with:

• Pan-Atlantic University
• Nigerian Governors' Forum

These partnerships aim to equip Corps members with entrepreneurial skills for self-reliance after their service year.