Federal Government Lifts Ban on NYSC Corps Members’ Deployment to Private Sector

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Youth Development, has announced the revocation of the ban limiting the deployment of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to the public sector only.

In a statement issued by the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, on November 18, 2024, the Ministry disclosed that the decision, which it described as urgent, aims to expand opportunities for corps members.

Recall that, in an attempt to prevent the exploitation of corps members by private companies and to strengthen the country’s public sector institutions, the former Minister of Youth Development, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, had banned the deployment of corps members to private sectors, limiting them to specific sectors such as education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure.

However, while lifting the ban, Olawande noted that starting from the 2024 Batch ‘C’, corps members can now be posted to selected banks and other private companies, including oil and gas firms, in line with their course of study.

The memo reads in part: “There is an urgent need to review this policy to expand the opportunities and access for corps members to serve in places that are relevant to their areas of study.

“Without prejudice to the need to constantly review based on prevailing realities, I now direct as follows: Lifting of all restrictions on postings.

“Posting of corps members to, as much as practicable, be in line with their course of study.

“Posting of corps members to select banks and other private sector organizations, including those operating in oil and gas, to commence with Abuja and Lagos.”

Speaking further, the Minister noted: “The directive contained herein will take effect from the date of commencement of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Orientation Course and applies to any matter relating to the posting and distribution of corps members to Places of Primary Assignment.”

Disclosing the negative effects of the abolished policy on corps members, Olawande said, “The now-revoked policy has greatly hampered experience gathering that would effectively prepare them for the job market.”