The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to raise the remuneration and improve insurance cover for corps members deployed as ad-hoc staff during elections
Speaking in Abuja on 11 May 2026 when INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan visited the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters, Nafiu said better pay and timely medical or insurance support would encourage more corps members to take part in elections and perform their duties with greater commitment.“I want to appeal to INEC to increase the remuneration of corps members that serve as ad-hoc staff during elections,” Nafiu said.
He also requested “timely payment of insurance benefits or medical support to corps members that pay the supreme sacrifice or suffer injuries on election duties.”Nafiu noted that the current NYSC insurance does not cover election assignments, leaving corps members reliant on INEC’s provisions.
He urged the commission to expedite the release of the names of corps members selected for electoral roles to allow adequate preparation.The NYSC DG described corps members as “highly competent, credible, neutral and easily trainable” personnel with strong digital skills, saying the scheme had supported Nigeria’s elections since 1999.
He commended INEC’s security arrangements during the last Anambra governorship poll and expressed hope that similar measures would be maintained.“NYSC will continue to play its part in strengthening the nation’s democracy,” Nafiu said.
“We have the 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.”
INEC Chairman Prof. Amupitan described corps members as the most dedicated and neutral election staff, saying their presence at polling units had bolstered public confidence.
He said the commission was “constantly refining our insurance and welfare packages” and would work with NYSC and security agencies to enforce safety protocols.Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections scheduled for 16 January 2027, Amupitan said INEC would require 707,384 corps members for the presidential and National Assembly polls alone.
Nafiu assured INEC of full mobilisation for all upcoming elections, adding, “We will fully mobilise our corps members and essential staff… the Scheme takes pride in the success of INEC because your success is our success.”
