By Nkechi Eze
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission to improve the remuneration of Corps Members engaged as ad hoc staff during elections across the country.
According to an official signed statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations of NYSC, Caroline Embu, Brigadier General Nafiu also called for the timely payment of insurance benefits and medical support for Corps Members who lose their lives or sustain injuries while participating in election duties.
The NYSC Director General made the appeal during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, to the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Brigadier General Nafiu stated that improved welfare packages and prompt insurance support would encourage more Corps Members to participate actively in electoral duties and perform their responsibilities with greater commitment and patriotism.
He also urged INEC to ensure the timely release of names of Corps Members selected for election duties to enable the Scheme make adequate preparations ahead of elections.
The NYSC boss commended INEC for the sustained collaboration between both agencies, noting that NYSC has remained an integral part of Nigeria’s democratic process since 1999, although the partnership was formally institutionalised through a Memorandum of Understanding in 2011.
He described Corps Members as “highly competent, credible, neutral and easily trainable patriotic manpower with high sense of digital proficiency,” capable of delivering credible elections whenever called upon.
Brigadier General Nafiu further praised INEC’s security arrangements for Corps Members during the last governorship election in Anambra State and expressed optimism that similar measures would be replicated in future elections.
“We have 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,” he stated.
He explained that NYSC’s insurance coverage does not extend to election assignments, adding that the Scheme depends on INEC’s insurance arrangements for Corps Members deployed during elections.
Brigadier General Nafiu reaffirmed NYSC’s commitment to supporting credible elections and strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria.
“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,” he said.
Earlier, INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan described Corps Members as the most dedicated, educated, and patriotic election personnel whose neutrality and professionalism have continued to inspire public confidence in the electoral process.
He reiterated INEC’s commitment to working with NYSC and security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of safety protocols for Corps Members deployed during elections.
“We are constantly refining our insurance and welfare packages to reflect the value we place on their lives,” Professor Amupitan said.
The INEC Chairman disclosed that the commission would require 707,384 Corps Members for the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and the same number again for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections slated for February 6, 2027.
According to him, this brings the total number of Corps Members needed for the 2027 general elections to 1,414,768.
Professor Amupitan noted that in many states, Corps Members account for nearly 90 per cent of INEC’s Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers serving in 176,846 polling units, including difficult terrains across the country.
He also commended the performance of Corps Members during the recent governorship election in Anambra State and the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory, where their digital proficiency contributed to the seamless deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System.
Professor Amupitan pledged INEC’s readiness to continue working closely with NYSC in the training and mobilisation of ad hoc staff for the remaining off-cycle elections in 2026 and the 2027 general elections.
“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,” he stated.
