The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Olakunle Nafiu, has reaffirmed that corps members are covered by a comprehensive insurance package throughout their service year.
Nafiu spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during a visit by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Ndace.
He said the welfare package includes life insurance and medical care for all corps members.
He said: “Since 2004, every Corps Member has been covered by comprehensive insurance, including health and life insurance.
“The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) caters for Corps Members whenever they fall ill.”
He added that coverage begins even before mobilisation.
Nafiu said: “From the moment call-up letters are issued—before they even begin their journey from their parents’ homes—they are already covered by insurance.”
He explained that the Federal Government has also intervened in cases not fully covered by health insurance.
He cited instances where N28 million was paid to save a pregnant corps member and her unborn child after a spinal cord injury, and N33 million was provided for prosthetic arms for another corps member injured in a road crash.
The NYSC DG cautioned against unverified reports about the scheme and urged journalists to confirm facts before publication.
He said the posting policy is designed to meet national needs, especially in healthcare and education, while ensuring all states benefit from corps members’ contributions.
Nafiu added that corps members would not be deployed to unsafe areas.
He said the scheme remains apolitical and non-religious in promoting national unity.
He also commended the media for its support and praised Ndace for his leadership.
Earlier, Ndace congratulated Nafiu and commended his leadership style.
Ndace said: “General Nafiu has demonstrated a modern leadership style.
“I commend the NYSC management, as no leader succeeds without the support of their team.”
He said: “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 reaffirmed VON’s commitment to partnering with NYSC on youth-focused programming and content development.
