The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced a policy to blacklist employers who deny corps members accommodation and transportation. The Director of Corps Welfare, Mrs. Christy Uba, disclosed this during a sensitization workshop in Abuja on Tuesday.
Policy Details
According to Mrs. Uba, any employer found violating the provision of accommodation and transportation for corps members will be placed on a blacklist. This means they will no longer be eligible to host corps members in subsequent batches.
“We have received numerous complaints from corps members about employers refusing to provide basic amenities. This is unacceptable,” she stated. The NYSC Act mandates that employers provide accommodation or a housing allowance, as well as transportation or a transport allowance, to corps members posted to their organizations.
Enforcement Measures
The NYSC will deploy monitoring teams to verify compliance. Employers who fail to meet these obligations will face sanctions, including blacklisting. The policy takes immediate effect, and the NYSC will collaborate with state governments to ensure enforcement.
“We are committed to the welfare of corps members. No employer should exploit them,” Mrs. Uba added. She urged corps members to report any violations to the NYSC secretariat.
Impact on Corps Members
Corps members have welcomed the move, citing cases where they were forced to pay for accommodation from their meager allowances. The NYSC allowance, currently ₦33,000, is often insufficient to cover rent and transport in many cities.
A corps member serving in Lagos, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “Many of us spend almost half our allowance on transport alone. This policy will bring relief.”
Employer Reactions
Some employers have expressed concern about the additional cost, but the NYSC insists it is a legal requirement. The Director emphasized that the policy aims to protect corps members and ensure a conducive service year.
The NYSC also plans to publish the list of blacklisted employers on its website and share it with state governments to prevent them from benefiting from corps members’ services.
