NYSC DG Urges INEC to Improve Pay and Insurance for Corps Members on Election Duty
By Victor Idajili
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission to raise the pay and strengthen insurance cover for corps members who serve as ad hoc staff during elections.
Nafiu made the call on Monday during a visit by INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan to the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, according to a statement issued by NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Mbu.
He said better remuneration and prompt payment of insurance benefits or medical support for corps members injured or killed on election duty would encourage more participation and boost commitment.
Nafiu also urged INEC to release the list of corps members selected for election duty earlier than usual, to give the scheme enough time to prepare.
He praised the long-standing collaboration between NYSC and INEC, noting that corps members have been part of Nigeria’s electoral process since 1999. The formal agreement was signed in 2011 and has been renewed several times since.
Describing corps members as “highly competent, credible, neutral and easily trainable,” Nafiu said their digital skills make them well suited for credible elections. He commended INEC’s security arrangements for corps members during the last Anambra governorship election and expressed hope that similar measures would be applied in future polls.
“NYSC will continue to play its part in strengthening the nation’s democracy,” he said. “We have enough corps members to support INEC not just for the 2027 general elections, but also for the off-cycle elections this year.”
Nafiu added that NYSC’s own insurance scheme does not cover election assignments, which is why the scheme relies on INEC’s coverage for corps members on duty.
Responding, Prof. Amupitan said corps members remain the most dedicated and patriotic election staff, and their presence at polling units has strengthened neutrality and public confidence.
He said INEC is updating its insurance and welfare packages to better reflect the risks corps members face, and is working with NYSC and security agencies to enforce safety protocols at polling units.
For the 2027 elections, Amupitan said INEC would need 707,384 corps members for the presidential and National Assembly polls on January 16, 2027, and another 707,384 for the governorship and state assembly elections on February 6, 2027 — totaling 1,414,768.
He noted that in many states, corps members make up nearly 90% of Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers, managing voting and ballot security across 176,846 polling units, including in hard-to-reach areas.
Amupitan pointed to their role in the Anambra governorship and FCT area council elections, where their digital skills ensured the smooth operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System.
“Our goal is a well-organised, efficient and peaceful electoral process, and that can only happen through collaboration, commitment and shared responsibility,” he said.
