FG Lifts Ban On Posting Of Corps Members To Oil Companies, Banks, Others
The Federal Government has lifted the ban that restricted members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from being posted to the private sector. This new directive allows corps members to be assigned to private organizations, including banks and oil and gas companies.
According to a memo issued by the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, dated November 18, 2024, the new policy will take effect with the start of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Orientation exercise.
The previous policy, instituted during the tenure of former Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Bolaji Abdullahi, aimed to prevent private companies from exploiting cheap labor while promoting capacity building in the public sector. It limited corps members to four sectors of the economy: education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure.
Olawande stated that the new policy aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s strategy to combat rising youth unemployment by ensuring that government agencies support the administration’s vision. He noted that the directive will initially be implemented in Lagos and Abuja.
Additionally, the new policy will allow corps members to gain valuable experience relevant to their fields of study. The former policy had hindered their ability to acquire experiences that would prepare them for the job market.
The memo stated: “There is an urgent need to review this policy to expand opportunities and access for corps members to serve in areas that relate to their studies. Therefore, I now direct the following:
1. Lifting of all restrictions on postings.
2. Postings should, as much as possible, align with corps members’ courses of study.
3. Corps members may be posted to select banks and other private sector organizations, including those in oil and gas, starting with Abuja and Lagos.
This directive will become effective on the commencement date of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Orientation Course and pertains to all matters related to the posting and distribution of corps members to their Places of Primary Assignment.
The previously revoked policy has significantly hindered the experience-gathering process that is crucial for preparing them for the job market.”
