FG lifts restrictions on NYSC posting

Worried by the high rate of youth unemployment in Nigeria, the Federal Government has revoked all previous directives regarding posting restrictions in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

A memo dated November 18, 2024, from the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, to the NYSC Director General, stated that this lifting of restrictions will take effect from the start date of the 2024 Batch ‘C Orientation Course.

Olawande in a statement by the Information and Public Relations, Omolara Esan on Tuesday in Abuja, added that the Ministerial directive aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to ensure all government ministries, agencies, and parastatals operate in harmony with the administration’s overall vision.

According to the Minister, President Tinubu is highly concerned about the rising rate of youth unemployment.

“As a result, he expects the Ministry of Youth Development and its affiliated agencies to take a leading role in addressing the issue,” he noted.

He highlighted that the current National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posting policy, established during the tenure of former Minister Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, limits postings to four sectors: Education, Agriculture, Health, and Infrastructure.

The Minister explained that the argument of Mr. Abdullahi at the time was that while the government was funding the NYSC, many private sector organizations were no longer employed because of the easy access to cheap corps labour, adding that the former Minister was largely right, moreover, he said, the fact that many corps members who require specialized training in their areas of study are limited by the posting policy has greatly hampered experience gathering that would effectively prepare them for the job market.

“Therefore, as we battle the unemployment crisis, there is an urgent need to review this policy to expand the opportunity and access for corps members to serve in places that are relevant to their areas of study. Without prejudice to the need to constantly review in accordance with prevailing realities, I now direct as follows: Lifting of all restrictions on postings.

“Posting of corps members to, as much as practicable, be in line with their course of study, posting of corps members to select banks and other private sector organizations, including those operating in oil and gas, to commence with Abuja and Lagos.

“I hereby revoke all previous directives relating to posting restrictions with effect from the date of commencement of the 2024 Batch ‘C Orientation Course.

“The directive contained herein will take effect from the date of commencement of the 2024 Batch ‘C Orientation Course and applies to any matter relating to the posting and distribution of corps members to Places of Primary Assignment,” Olawande stated.