NYSC urges INEC to Boost Pay and Benefits for Corps Election Staff

**NYSC Chief Urges INEC to Boost Pay and Benefits for Corps Members Serving as Election Staff**

Abuja, May 11, 2026 – Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to increase the remuneration for corps members who serve as ad-hoc election staff. He also urged the commission to expedite the payment of insurance or medical benefits to those injured or killed while performing their duties.

General Nafiu made this appeal during a meeting with INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, who visited the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday. He emphasized that improved pay and prompt benefit payouts would encourage more corps members to volunteer for electoral assignments and enhance their commitment to the democratic process.

“The scheme has been an integral part of Nigeria’s elections since 1999, and the willingness of corps members to serve hinges on adequate incentives and protection,” General Nafiu stated. He also requested that INEC release the list of corps members designated to act as electoral officers as soon as possible, allowing the NYSC to complete the necessary training and logistical preparations ahead of the upcoming polls.

Since formally collaborating with INEC through a Memorandum of Understanding in 2011, the NYSC has consistently renewed this partnership to support the commission’s staffing needs. General Nafiu praised the collaboration, describing corps members as “highly competent, credible, neutral, and easily trainable individuals with strong digital proficiency” who are capable of safeguarding the credibility of elections when called upon.

In addition to his request for increased remuneration, General Nafiu highlighted a gap in the existing insurance coverage for corps members serving in elections. He noted, “The insurance we have for them does not cover this type of assignment; we consistently rely on the insurance that INEC provides during elections.” He emphasized the need for a dedicated insurance scheme that addresses the unique risks associated with election duties.

General Nafiu also commended INEC’s security arrangements for corps members during the recent Anambra State governorship election, expressing hope that similar measures will be maintained in future contests. He reiterated the NYSC’s readiness to support INEC not only for the 2027 general elections but also for the off-cycle elections scheduled for later this year. “We possess adequate manpower in the form of corps members who will offer essential support to INEC. We are fully prepared,” he declared, adding that the NYSC would mobilize for “all forthcoming elections” and that the success of the commission reflects the success of the youth service scheme.

In conclusion, the director general appealed to other government ministries, non-governmental organizations, and private individuals to support INEC’s efforts to ensure credible elections. “NYSC is prepared and committed to sustaining the collaboration for credible elections and the development of Nigeria,” he stated.

This meeting marks the latest step in the ongoing cooperation between NYSC and INEC, a partnership that has been instrumental in staffing polling stations and election tribunals across the country for more than two decades. Both agencies appear poised to deepen this collaboration as Nigeria approaches a busy election calendar.