NYSC Urges Electoral Neutrality, Announces Rivers Allowance Increase

 

By Atlantic Reports

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, has urged corps members in Rivers State to remain politically neutral and uphold professional standards if deployed for duties during the 2027 general elections.

Nafiu gave the charge on Monday while addressing 2026 Batch C Stream I corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area.

He said corps members serving as Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ad hoc personnel must be honest, credible and impartial.

The visit also brought announcements on welfare, including an approved increase in Rivers State allowances and a federal review of feeding allowances during orientation.

Higher allowances for rural postings

NYSC Rivers Coordinator Moses Oleghe said Governor Siminalayi Fubara had approved an immediate increase in allowances for corps members serving in the state.

According to Oleghe, those posted to urban areas would receive ₦20,000, while those serving in rural communities would receive ₦35,000.

The account did not specify the payment frequency, previous rates or whether payments at the revised rates had begun. It also did not explain how postings would be classified as urban or rural.

The higher amount announced for rural service provides a financial distinction between posting locations, although its practical benefit will depend on consistent payment.

Nafiu separately said the Federal Government had approved an upward review of feeding allowances during orientation camping. He did not disclose the revised amount.

He added that arrangements to improve the quality of corps members’ kits had been activated for implementation in 2027. That improvement remains a planned measure.

Skills and personal safety

Nafiu encouraged corps members to participate fully in orientation activities, saying the training would help prepare them for leadership responsibilities.

“I urge you to take the in-camp and post-camp Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously to create sustainable wealth through multiple sources of income,” he said.

He also advised them to remain security-conscious, avoid night travel and refrain from social media misuse and other conduct that could expose them to danger.

His message linked service-year preparation to both personal safety and the development of skills that could support livelihoods beyond the programme.

Oleghe presented a report on the camp during the visit.

Nafiu was accompanied by NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations Carol Embu, Director of Special Duties George Mfongang, and Acting Director of the South-South Area Office II in Port Harcourt, Olayinka Nasamu.

For corps members, the immediate welfare questions are when the approved increases will reach them and how the feeding review will improve camp provision. Those commitments sit alongside the responsibility to serve communities safely and maintain neutrality in electoral duties.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.