FG Lifts Ban Corpers Can Now Serve In Banks, Others
The Federal Government has removed the restriction preventing National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from being posted to private sector organizations. Corps members can now be deployed to industries such as banking and oil and gas.
In a memo dated November 18, 2024, issued by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, it was announced that this policy change will take effect with the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Orientation program.
The previous policy, introduced by former Minister of Youth and Sports Development Bolaji Abdullahi, was designed to limit private companies’ access to low-cost labor and focus on building capacity in the public sector. It restricted corps members to roles in education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure.
Minister Olawande explained that the updated directive aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s plans to tackle youth unemployment. To ensure smooth implementation, the policy will initially be rolled out in Lagos and Abuja.
He added that the new policy would also allow the corpers to gain valuable experience in their chosen fields of study, noting that the previous policy hampered Nigerian youths from gaining experiences that would prepare them for the labour market.
The memo read in parts, “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 per 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. 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.
“The now revoked policy has greatly hampered experience gathering that would effectively prepare them for the job market.”
