The Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, addressed concerns about NYSC corps member safety during an appearance on Channels Television’s “Sunday Politics” program. She confirmed that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has “stopped posting corps members to the very unsafe states” as an immediate measure to ensure their well-being.
This policy, according to Minister Bio-Ibrahim, is not new. “We have been doing it,” she asserted, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to prioritize corps member safety by strategically avoiding deployment to high-risk areas. While the specific states deemed “very unsafe” remain unnamed, the Minister’s statement acknowledges the evolving security landscape and underscores the NYSC’s commitment to informed decision-making.
Recognizing the complexities of security challenges, Bio–Ibrahim emphasized a “multi-sectoral approach” involving collaboration with security agencies to safeguard corps members.
She said, “As an immediate intervention of the government and the NYSC as an agency, we have actually stopped posting corps members to the very unsafe states.
“We have been doing it. We have been doing it in the past. There are states we have not been posting corps members to to ensure their safety.
“When it comes to security matters, it is a multi-sectoral approach. So, it is not the NYSC alone and the ministry that is involved. We are working with security outlets to ensure corps members are safe.”
This collaborative effort suggests a broader strategy beyond mere avoidance of high-risk zones, potentially encompassing enhanced protection measures and communication channels for deployed corps members.
The Minister’s remarks come amidst heightened public discourse surrounding corps member safety, particularly in light of recent security incidents. Her confirmation of targeted restrictions on deployments and emphasis on collaborative efforts offer a glimpse into the ongoing efforts to create a safer environment for young Nigerians participating in the national service program.
