National Youth Service Corps has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to improve the welfare and allowances of corps members engaged as ad hoc staff during elections across the country.
The Director General of the NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, also appealed to INEC to ensure quick payment of insurance benefits and medical support for corps members who suffer injuries or lose their lives while carrying out election duties.
Nafiu made the appeal during a visit by the Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, to the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The NYSC boss said better welfare packages would encourage more corps members to participate actively in election duties and perform their responsibilities with greater dedication.
According to him, corps members have continued to play a major role in Nigeria’s democratic process and deserve proper protection and support.
Over the years, thousands of corps members have been deployed by INEC to serve as ad hoc staff during elections in different parts of Nigeria.
Their duties usually include voter accreditation, result documentation, logistics support and management of polling units.
Because corps members are considered educated, neutral and easily trainable, INEC has relied heavily on them during elections since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
However, concerns have repeatedly been raised about their welfare, security and safety, especially during elections marked by violence or political tension.
Some corps members have in the past lost their lives or suffered injuries while serving during elections.
Others have complained about delayed allowances, poor accommodation and difficult working conditions in remote areas.
Against this background, Nafiu urged INEC to strengthen support systems for corps members ahead of future elections, including the 2027 general election.
He specifically appealed for faster payment of insurance claims and medical assistance whenever corps members are affected during election assignments.
“The insurance we have for them does not cover this type of assignment; we consistently rely on the insurance that INEC provides during elections,” he said.
The NYSC Director General also requested that INEC release the names of corps members selected for election duties earlier than usual.
According to him, early release of names would help the scheme prepare adequately before election days and improve coordination.
Nafiu praised the long-standing relationship between NYSC and INEC, describing it as important to Nigeria’s democracy.
He explained that although corps members had been participating in elections since 1999, the formal partnership between both agencies began in 2011 through a Memorandum of Understanding.
The agreement has since been renewed several times.
He described corps members as disciplined and capable young Nigerians who have contributed positively to the credibility of elections in the country.
“Corps members are highly competent, credible, neutral, and easily trainable individuals with strong digital proficiency,” Nafiu said.
He added that their knowledge of technology and digital tools had become increasingly important in modern elections, especially with the growing use of electronic accreditation and result transmission systems.
The NYSC boss also commended INEC for the security arrangements provided for corps members during the recent governorship election in Anambra State.
He expressed hope that similar measures would be sustained during future elections across the country.
Security has remained one of the biggest concerns during elections in Nigeria.
Several elections in the past have witnessed violence, attacks on polling units and clashes involving political supporters.
Young ad hoc staff, including corps members, are often among the most exposed during such incidents because they work directly at polling centres.
As a result, civil society groups and human rights organisations have repeatedly demanded stronger protection for election workers.
Nafiu said the NYSC remains fully committed to supporting Nigeria’s electoral process despite the challenges.
“We possess adequate manpower in the form of corps members who will offer essential support to INEC, not only for the general elections in 2027 but also for the upcoming off-cycle elections this year; we are fully prepared,” he said.
He also called on Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as non-governmental organisations and patriotic Nigerians, to support INEC in delivering credible elections.
According to him, free and fair elections are necessary for the growth of democracy and national development.
“I want to assure you that NYSC is prepared and committed to sustaining the collaboration for credible elections, as well as the advancement and development of Nigeria,” he added.
“We will fully mobilize our corps members and key staff for all forthcoming elections, and the scheme takes pride in INEC’s achievements because your success is our success.”
The NYSC was established in 1973 after the Nigerian Civil War as part of efforts to promote national unity and integration among young graduates.
Every year, graduates below the age of 30 are posted to states outside their regions to serve the country for one year.
Over time, the scheme has become involved in several national assignments, including healthcare campaigns, census exercises, disaster response and election duties.
INEC, on the other hand, depends heavily on temporary workers during elections because of the large number of polling units spread across the country.
Nigeria has more than 176,000 polling units nationwide, making the recruitment of ad hoc staff critical during elections.
Some election observers believe better training, improved allowances and stronger insurance packages would motivate corps members and improve the overall quality of election management.
The call by the NYSC leadership comes as preparations gradually begin ahead of future off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general election.
Although the election is still some time away, political activities and discussions around electoral reforms are already increasing across the country.