The Federal Government has approved an increase in the feeding budget for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members during their three-week orientation course, with implementation expected to begin in 2027.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this while addressing members of the 2026 Batch C Stream One at the Cross River State Orientation Camp in Obubra.
Nafiu said the Budget Office had been informed of the upward review, which he described as part of efforts to improve the welfare of corps members during orientation.
The announcement comes amid concerns about the cost of providing meals and other basic needs for young Nigerians undergoing the compulsory national service programme.
Beyond feeding, the NYSC director-general urged corps members to manage their finances responsibly, avoid extravagant spending and cultivate a habit of saving.
He also warned them against taking unnecessary risks while travelling, advising them to stop their journeys if they were still on the road by 6pm and continue the following day.
“Don’t sleep in public places, don’t sleep in filling station in large numbers, people will easily identify you,” he cautioned.
Nafiu advised corps members who needed a safe place to spend the night to seek assistance from security agencies.
“Go to military barracks, police barracks, DSS establishments, and call the NYSC line,” he said.
He also promised stronger engagement with relevant stakeholders to improve and overhaul facilities at the Obubra orientation camp.
The NYSC chief encouraged the corps members to acquire practical skills that could improve their employment prospects and provide additional sources of income during and after their service year.
He urged them to consider skills such as cosmetology, gele tying and other vocational activities that could support self-employment.
Nafiu commended the resilience and determination of Nigerian youths participating in the national service programme, urging them to make productive use of their time in camp.
Earlier, the Cross River State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Adejoke Oyenuga, said the director-general’s visit reflected the scheme’s commitment to corps members’ welfare.
Oyenuga disclosed that 1,064 corps members had registered at the camp and said they had adapted to the regimented orientation environment.
The proposed feeding-budget increase is expected to take effect next year, according to the NYSC director-general, although the new allocation and the amount corps members will receive per meal were not stated.
