Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has charged the newly appointed Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Kunle Nafiu, to make the security and welfare of corps members his top priority.
While welcoming his appointment, the group also issued a strong call for immediate action on key issues, setting an agenda for his administration, and calling for urgent reforms to address pressing challenges within the scheme.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a statement, stated that the new DG must take immediate action to address the rising cases of kidnapping and attacks on corps members.
He tasked Nafiu to take proactive steps to ensure that corps members are safe, both during their deployment and at their places of primary assignment.
The group advised the DG to collaborate with security agencies to create a comprehensive strategy that guarantees corps members’ safety.
HURIWA also pointed to the yet-to-be-implemented increase in corps members’ monthly allowance, which had been reviewed to N77,000 but remained unpaid as of February 2025.
“There has been too much delay in implementing the new allowance.
“The previous administration announced the increase, yet corps members are still receiving N33,000,” Onwubiko stated.
The organisation lamented that with inflation and the rising cost of living affecting young Nigerians, many corps members have struggled to meet their financial needs based on the current stipend.
The call for a prompt implementation of the new allowance has been echoed by youth groups and stakeholders nationwide.
Beyond security and welfare, HURIWA emphasised the need for Nafiu to continue the progress made by past NYSC leadership.
