The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Olakunle Nafiu, has reiterated that all corps members participating in the scheme are protected by a comprehensive insurance policy during their one-year national service.
Nafiu made the clarification on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Ndace.
According to him, the welfare arrangement for corps members includes both life insurance and medical coverage from the moment their call-up letters are issued.
He explained that the Federal Government had established measures to ensure participants in the NYSC programme experience a safe and fulfilling service year. The scheme, he added, also provides assistance in situations not fully covered by standard health insurance.
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To illustrate this support, Nafiu cited previous interventions by the scheme. In one case, the NYSC reportedly paid ₦28 million for medical treatment to save the life of a pregnant corps member and her unborn child after she sustained a spinal cord injury in a road accident.
In another instance, ₦33 million was provided to procure prosthetic arms for a corps member who lost his limbs following a road crash while travelling to his place of primary assignment.
“Since 2004, every corps member has been covered by comprehensive insurance, including health and life insurance. The National Health Insurance Authority caters for corps members whenever they fall ill,” Nafiu said.
He further explained that insurance coverage begins immediately after call-up letters are issued, even before corps members begin travelling from their homes to orientation camps.
The NYSC chief also warned against the circulation of unverified reports about the scheme and urged journalists to confirm information directly with the organisation before publication.
Nafiu noted that the NYSC posting policy is designed to address national development needs, particularly in sectors such as healthcare and education, by ensuring all states benefit from the contributions of corps members.
He added that corps members have consistently played key roles in national assignments, including elections, sensitization campaigns and census exercises, activities that have attracted commendation both locally and internationally.
The DG also assured that corps members would not be posted to unsafe locations, stressing that the NYSC remains apolitical and non-religious in order to sustain its core objective of promoting national unity.
Nafiu commended Ndace for his leadership of the Voice of Nigeria and for advancing digital innovation in the media sector, while also appreciating the media for its continued support of the NYSC.
Earlier, Ndace congratulated Nafiu on his appointment, praising what he described as a modern leadership approach.
“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 said.
He also reaffirmed VON’s readiness to collaborate with NYSC on content development and youth-focused programmes aimed at showcasing the activities and achievements of corps members to a global audience.
