…renew calls for speedy implementation of NYSC Trust Fund Bill

Following the recent assurances by the Director General of National Youth Service Scheme, Brig Gen YD Ahmed that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu administration is committed to the implementation of the improved new allowance for Corp members, a coalition of Civil Society Organizations on Thursday appreciated the federal government gesture, highlighting that it was the right thing to do given the economic realities.

Recall that in response to the calls by Nigerians, President Tinubu recently increased the allowance from N33,000 to N77,000.

Reacting to the development in a joint statement signed by Comrade Ibrahim Daudu, on behalf of Transparency International and Save Nigeria Movement, the groups noted that the federal government’s gesture was a clear demonstration of President Tinubu administration’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians across board.

“As the conscience of the nation, it is important to acknowledge the fact that Mr President has listened to our passionate calls for an upward review of Corp members allowances and it is only morally right to commend the gesture which has resonated among the Corp members.

“We must commend the NYSC management for being proactive in its approach and vision to maintain the objectives of the scheme.

“Even as we applaud the NYSC management and Mr President for this show of goodwill, it is important to highlight that the scheme being the major agency managing the largest bloc of educated youth in the country deserves utmost commitment in terms of funding and consistency.

“Beyond the regular payment of monthly allowances for Corp members, as well as the vast Iinfrastructure needed in the camps across the country, the NYSC has over the years expanded the scheme’s skills acquisition drive to include massive trainings in ICT, craft, small and medium scale businesses, improved farm techniques, marketing skills etc. All of which has made a couple of Corp members financially independent before completion of their service year.

“It is worthy of note that each year, all over the nation, with the support of the NYSC management, Corp members embark on numerous legacy projects in their various places of primary assignments.

“This is made possible due to the supportive role of the management and its commitment to the overall objectives of the scheme.

The groups further noted that for the NYSC and the federal government to sustain it’s financial responsibilities, it is important to renew the calls for the speedy implementation of the NYSC Trust Fund Bill which is already in it’s advanced stage for legislative and technical inputs.

“With the reality of the NYSC Trust Fund, there will be a proper framework for all stakeholders to contribute in the funding of the scheme whose contributions to the economy and unity of the nation has been of tremendous impact”

While calling on all stakeholders particularly state and Local Governments authorities to support the scheme, the coalition noted that the state and local government as well the private sector are the biggest beneficiaries from the services of millions of Corp members across the country.

“Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to support the NYSC Trust Fund and ensure its full implementation. We believe that the private sector has equally benefited from the services of Corp members even much more as most of the private concerns especially in health, education and manufacturing are being run by Corp members”.

The group unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the management of the scheme under the indefatigable leadership Brig Gen YD Ahmed for their commitment to the vision of the scheme and above all, for the unparalleled demonstration of transparency in his policy direction.

The group appealed to the NYSC management to consider periodic town hall engagements with stakeholders to share notes on the best way to sustain the scheme in line with the vision of the founding fathers.