The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reportedly saved the Lagos State Government an estimated N14.8 billion annually through the deployment of corps members to various sectors across the state. This was disclosed by NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, during a courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina.
According to General Nafiu, corps members have made significant contributions to Lagos’ socio-economic growth, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and other public and private services. The state currently accommodates over 44,000 corps members, including 303 doctors, 7,148 teachers, and 274 nurses, with another 35,000 serving in various capacities across different sectors.
The NYSC scheme has been instrumental in uniting the country and bridging cultural, religious, and socio-economic divides, while also playing a major role in the socio-economic development of states and communities where corps members are deployed. General Nafiu noted that if the state were to employ the same number of personnel full-time, it would cost approximately N14.8 billion annually, highlighting the economic value corps members bring to Lagos.
Governor Sanwo-Olu reassured his administration’s commitment to the NYSC scheme, describing corps members as a critical part of Lagos’ development story. He pledged continued investment in infrastructure to support their activities, including plans to establish a permanent NYSC site in Ikorodu. The governor also praised corps members for their roles in education, healthcare, and other sectors, promising to strengthen the support structures that enable them to excel.
Lagos State remains the most sought-after posting location in the country, with parents often eager for their children to be posted there due to the peaceful atmosphere and opportunities available. The state government’s efforts to provide a safe and supportive environment for corps members have been commended by General Nafiu. As the NYSC scheme continues to play a vital role in national development, the Lagos State Government’s commitment to supporting corps members is expected to have a lasting impact on the state’s socio-economic growth.
