Government Approves Feeding Allowance Hike for NYSC Orientation Camps.
Government Approves Feeding Allowance Hike for NYSC Orientation Camps.
The Federal Government has approved an increase in the feeding allowance for National Youth Service Corps members during their orientation course, with the revised provision expected to take effect in 2027.
NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, announced the decision while speaking to members of the 2026 Batch C, Stream One at the Cross River State Orientation Camp in Obubra. He said the Budget Office had been informed of the upward review.
Nafiu did not disclose the new allowance or how much additional funding would be allocated per corps member. The increase is expected to support meal provision during orientation, when participants take part in military drills, lectures, physical training and other activities ahead of their service year.
The announcement comes amid wider discussions about the welfare of young Nigerians serving through the national scheme.
During his address, Nafiu also urged corps members to manage their finances carefully. He advised them to avoid unnecessary spending, practise restraint and develop a regular saving habit. He encouraged them to use their service year to acquire practical skills that could improve their employment prospects or provide alternative sources of income.
He cited cosmetology and traditional hairstyling among possible areas for skills development, while urging participants to look beyond their academic qualifications when planning for the future.
The NYSC chief also emphasised travel safety. He advised corps members to avoid travelling late in the day and recommended that they stop their journeys after 6 p.m. and continue the following morning.
Nafiu warned them against resting in exposed public places or sleeping in groups at filling stations, saying such behaviour could make them easy to identify. If they encounter difficulties while travelling, he advised them to seek assistance at military installations, police stations or Department of State Services offices, and contact the NYSC hotline.
He commended the corps members for their resilience and willingness to serve, and urged them to make responsible choices throughout the programme.
Nafiu further said the NYSC would engage relevant stakeholders over infrastructure needs at the Obubra camp, including support for establishing and rehabilitating facilities. Orientation camps provide accommodation, meals, training and other essential services during the initial phase of national service.
The Cross River State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Adejoke Oyenuga, said 1,064 corps members had registered at the camp. She described Nafiu’s visit as evidence of his commitment to corps members’ welfare and said participants had adapted to the camp’s routines.
The proposed feeding allowance increase and planned discussions about camp facilities were among the issues raised during the director-general’s visit.
