The Federal Government has lifted all restrictions on the posting of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to banks, government agencies, and private sector organisations in Nigeria.

This was announced in a memo dated November 18, 2024, and issued by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.

The memo was directed to the NYSC Director General, Brig.-Gen. Yushau Ahmed.

The minister noted that the lifting of the restrictions will take effect with the commencement of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Orientation Course.

Olawande said the new directive was part of President Bola Tinubu’s strategy to combat rising youth unemployment by ensuring government agencies align with his administration’s vision.

The previous posting policy, implemented during the tenure of former Minister of Youth Development, Bolaji Abdullahi, restricted NYSC members to four sectors – education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure.

The restriction was designed to prevent private companies from exploiting corps members as cheap labour while promoting public sector capacity-building.

However, Olawande noted that the initial postings of corps members to private sector organisations will commence in Abuja and Lagos.

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The minister stated: “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 organisations, 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.”

The Star