BY NGOZI A NWANKWO

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has appealed for an increased insurance package and robust remuneration for Corps Members who serve as ad hoc staff during elections in the country. He said this is important considering the prevailing economic situation and the need for enhanced welfare for the Corps Members.

Nafiu stated this when he hosted the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, and some of his management team at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja. While commending the positive impact of the partnership between the two organizations, the DG pointed out the need for a review of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NYSC and INEC. He added that both agencies had maintained a very critical and strategic relationship over the years, therefore Corps Members are always eager to contribute their quota to the democratic development of Nigeria.

Nafiu, who stated further that the existing MoU clearly spells out the responsibilities of both agencies, added that the Scheme would continue to support INEC in entrenching free, fair, and credible elections in the country.

Speaking earlier, the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, hailed the various contributions of successive batches of Corps Members to the improvement in the conduct of elections in the country. Mahmood, who was represented by the National Commissioner in Charge of Electoral Operations, Dr. Bala Bila, sought more support from NYSC in strengthening the credibility of elections in Nigeria. He added that the existing MoU would be due for renewal in February 2025.