by Momodu

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Olakunle Nafiu, has announced that all corps members are now covered by a comprehensive life and health insurance scheme throughout their mandatory one-year national service.

Nafiu made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by Jibrin Ndace, Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON).

According to the NYSC boss, the insurance package is designed to provide financial protection and medical support for corps members in the event of illness, accidents, or death while serving the nation. He emphasized that the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare and safety of young graduates deployed across the country.

Highlighting the effectiveness of the scheme, Nafiu pointed to previous interventions where insurance claims were successfully paid out to affected corps members or their families. He cited a case involving a payout of ₦28 million, demonstrating the scheme’s capacity to deliver meaningful support in times of need.

He reassured prospective and serving corps members, as well as their families, that adequate measures are in place to safeguard participants throughout their service year, regardless of their place of primary assignment.

The NYSC, established to promote national unity and development, deploys thousands of graduates annually to various sectors, including education, healthcare, and public service, often in locations far from their home states.

Nafiu noted that the enhanced insurance coverage is part of broader reforms aimed at improving corps members’ welfare and boosting confidence in the scheme, particularly amid ongoing concerns about safety and working conditions in some parts of the country.

Officials say the policy will continue to be reviewed to ensure it meets evolving needs and provides timely support to corps members nationwide.