The Federal Government has approved an increase in the feeding allowance provided for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) during their orientation course, with implementation expected to begin in 2027.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, stated this while addressing members of the 2026 Batch C, Stream One corps members at the Cross River State Orientation Camp in Obubra.
Brigadier General Nafiu said the Budget Office had been informed of the upward review of the feeding budget.
He explained that the adjustment was expected to take effect next year, although the specific amount of the increase was not made known.
The development comes amid ongoing discussions about the welfare of Nigerian youths participating in the national service scheme.
Beyond the feeding allowance, the NYSC Director-General urged the corps members to develop sound financial habits and prepare responsibly for life after the service year.
He advised them to avoid unnecessary spending, exercise restraint in their financial decisions and cultivate the habit of saving.
Brigadier General Nafiu also commended the corps members for their resilience and willingness to serve the country, noting the importance of their contributions to national development.
He encouraged them to make responsible choices throughout their service year and take advantage of opportunities that could improve their prospects.
The Director-General placed particular emphasis on the safety of corps members travelling between their places of residence, orientation camps and places of primary assignment.
He advised them to avoid travelling late in the evening, recommending that they stop their journeys after 6 p.m. and continue the following day.
He warned against the practice of resting in exposed public places or sleeping in groups at filling stations while travelling, noting that such situations could make corps members easy to identify.
“Refrain from resting in public places and avoid sleeping in groups at filling stations, as this makes you easily identifiable.
“Proceed to military installations, police stations or DSS offices, and contact the NYSC hotline,” he advised.
Brigadier General Nafiu further assured the corps members that efforts would be intensified to engage relevant stakeholders in addressing infrastructure needs at the Obubra Orientation Camp.
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He said there would be further engagement with stakeholders to support the establishment and rehabilitation of facilities at the camp.
The condition of orientation camp facilities remains an important aspect of corps members’ welfare, as the camps provide accommodation, feeding, training and other essential services during the initial phase of national service.
Improved infrastructure can also support the delivery of orientation activities and help create a more suitable environment for corps members and camp officials.
The NYSC chief also encouraged the participants to acquire practical skills that could improve their employability and provide alternative sources of income after their service year.
He urged them to look beyond their academic qualifications and use the orientation period to consider additional areas of personal and professional development.
“Acquire skills in fields that will benefit you, such as cosmetology, traditional hairstyling techniques and similar disciplines,” he said.
It could be recalled that the Federal Government had began implementing reforms in the NYSC.
Feeding is an essential part of the orientation programme, during which corps members undergo military drills, lectures, physical exercises and other activities designed to prepare them for the service year.
The proposed increase is expected to provide additional support for feeding arrangements at orientation camps.
However, details regarding the revised allocation and how much additional funding each corps member would receive were not provided during the announcement.
