The Federal Government has lifted the restriction on the deployment of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to the private sector, enabling them to now serve in organizations such as banks and oil and gas companies.
This development was announced in a memo dated November 18, 2024, by the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande. The policy will take effect with the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Orientation exercise.
Previously, under a directive issued during former Minister Bolaji Abdullahi’s tenure, corps members were limited to four key sectors: education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure. This policy aimed to prevent the exploitation of corps members as cheap labor while bolstering public sector capacity.
Olawande stated that the change aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s strategy to address youth unemployment and provide young Nigerians with practical experience in their chosen fields. Initially, the new deployment policy will be implemented in Lagos and Abuja, with plans for broader expansion.
He emphasized that this move will equip corps members with the skills and experience needed for the labor market, addressing a key challenge posed by the previous policy.
The memo read in parts, “There is an urgent need to review this policy to expand the opportunity 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 per 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. The directive contained herein will take effect from the date of commencement of the 2024 Batch ‘C Orientation Course and applies in relation to any matter relating to the posting and distribution of corps members to Places of Primary Assignment.
“The now revoked policy has greatly hampered experience gathering that would effectively prepare them for the job market.”
