Relief as FG jacks up NYSC feeding budget
By Dally Iyamu
Corps members undergoing NYSC orientation may receive improved feeding support from 2027, following the Federal Government’s approval of an upward review of the allowance provided for their meals at orientation camps.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this while addressing members of the 2026 Batch C, Stream One corps members at the Cross River State Orientation Camp in Obubra.
Nafiu said the Budget Office had been notified of the upward review of the feeding budget, adding that the adjustment was expected to take effect next year.
However, he did not disclose the specific amount of the increase or the revised feeding allocation for each corps member.
The development comes amid ongoing discussions about the welfare of Nigerian youths participating in the national service scheme and broader efforts by the Federal Government to improve the NYSC programme.
Feeding remains a critical component of the orientation exercise, during which corps members undergo military drills, lectures, physical exercises and other activities designed to prepare them for the service year.
The proposed increase is expected to provide additional funding for feeding arrangements at orientation camps, although details of the revised allocation and its implications for individual corps members are yet to be made public.
Beyond welfare issues, the NYSC Director-General urged the corps members to cultivate sound financial habits and prepare responsibly for life after their service year.
He advised them to avoid unnecessary spending, exercise restraint in their financial decisions and develop a strong saving culture.
Nafiu also commended the corps members for their resilience and willingness to serve the country, stressing the importance of their contributions to national development.
He encouraged them to make responsible choices throughout their service year and take advantage of opportunities that could enhance their personal growth and future prospects.
The Director-General placed particular emphasis on the safety of corps members travelling between their places of residence, orientation camps and places of primary assignment.
He advised them to avoid travelling late in the evening, recommending that they end their journeys by 6 p.m. and continue the following day where necessary.
He also warned against resting in exposed public places or sleeping in groups at filling stations while travelling, noting that such practices could make corps members easily identifiable and vulnerable to security threats.
“Refrain from resting in public places and avoid sleeping in groups at filling stations, as this makes you easily identifiable.
“Proceed to military installations, police stations or DSS offices, and contact the NYSC hotline,” he advised.
Nafiu further assured the corps members that efforts would be intensified to engage relevant stakeholders in addressing infrastructure needs at the Obubra Orientation Camp.
He said further consultations would be held with stakeholders to support the establishment and rehabilitation of facilities at the camp.
The condition of orientation camp facilities remains an important aspect of corps members’ welfare, as the camps provide accommodation, feeding, training and other essential services during the initial phase of national service.
Improved infrastructure, he noted, would help support orientation activities and create a more conducive environment for corps members and camp officials.
The NYSC chief also encouraged the participants to acquire practical skills that could improve their employability and provide alternative sources of income after their service year.
He urged them to look beyond their academic qualifications and use the orientation period to explore additional areas of personal and professional development.
“Acquire skills in fields that will benefit you, such as cosmetology, traditional hairstyling techniques and similar disciplines,” he said.
The Director-General’s visit also provided an opportunity for camp officials to brief him on activities and conditions at the Cross River State Orientation Camp.
In her assessment of the camp, the NYSC Cross River State Coordinator, Mrs Adejoke Oyenuga, described the visit as a demonstration of the Director-General’s commitment to the welfare of corps members.
Oyenuga disclosed that 1,064 corps members had been registered at the camp.
She added that the participants had successfully adapted to the structured environment and routine of the orientation programme.
The registration figure represents the number of corps members recorded at the camp during the period covered by the assessment.
The orientation exercise is designed to familiarise participants with the objectives of the NYSC scheme, promote discipline and teamwork, and prepare them for deployment to their places of primary assignment.
The proposed increase in feeding allocation and the planned engagement on camp infrastructure were among the key welfare issues raised during Nafiu’s interaction with corps members and camp management.
