The Federal Government has approved an increase in the budget for feeding members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) during their orientation course, with implementation expected to begin in 2027.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this while addressing members of the 2026 Batch C Stream One at the Cross River State Orientation Camp in Obubra.
Nafiu said the Budget Office had been informed of the upward adjustment, although he did not disclose the new feeding rate or the size of the increase.
He urged corps members to manage their finances responsibly, avoid unnecessary spending and develop disciplined savings habits as they begin their national service.
The NYSC chief also commended Nigerian youths for their resilience and commitment to national service, encouraging them to make productive use of the opportunities available during their service year.
On personal safety, Nafiu advised corps members travelling to their places of primary assignment or other destinations to avoid night journeys, particularly after 6 p.m. He encouraged them to stop for the night in safe locations and continue their journeys the following day.
He cautioned against sleeping in public places or gathering in groups at filling stations while travelling, noting that such behaviour could make corps members vulnerable.
“Proceed to military installations, police stations or DSS offices, and contact the NYSC hotline,” he advised, urging corps members who encounter security concerns to seek assistance from the appropriate authorities.
Nafiu also promised intensified engagement with relevant stakeholders to improve infrastructure and facilities at the Obubra Orientation Camp.
He encouraged corps members to acquire practical and vocational skills that could improve their employment prospects and provide additional sources of income after their service year.
The director-general specifically mentioned areas such as cosmetology and traditional hairstyling, urging participants to consider skills that could be useful in the labour market or support future business ventures.
Earlier, the NYSC Cross River State Coordinator, Mrs Adejoke Oyenuga, described the director-general’s visit as a demonstration of the scheme’s commitment to the welfare of corps members.
Oyenuga disclosed that 1,064 corps members had been registered at the camp and said they had successfully adapted to the structured orientation programme.
The planned feeding budget increase is expected to affect the provision of meals for corps members during orientation, although the new rate and detailed implementation arrangements have not yet been disclosed in the information provided.
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