FG Lifts Ban: Corps Members Now Eligible to Serve in Banks, Other Private Firms

The Federal Government has removed the ban that limited National Youth Service Corps members from being assigned to the public sector, now permitting their placement in private sector organizations such as banks and oil and gas companies.

In a memo dated November 18, 2024, issued by the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, it was stated that the new policy directive will be implemented with the start of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Orientation exercise.

The earlier policy introduced under former Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Bolaji Abdullahi, sought to deter private companies from taking advantage of inexpensive labor and aimed at enhancing public sector capacity building. It limited corps members’ assignments to four sectors: education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure.

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Olawande stated that the new policy aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s strategy to address increasing youth unemployment by ensuring government agencies adhere to his administration’s vision. He added that this directive will initially be implemented in Lagos and Abuja.

He mentioned that the revised policy would enable corps members to acquire valuable experience in their respective fields of study, pointing out that the earlier policy limited Nigerian youths from gaining experiences essential for preparing them for the job market.

The memo stated in part, “There is a pressing need to reevaluate this policy to enhance opportunities and access for corps members to serve in locations pertinent to their fields of study. While acknowledging the necessity of regular reviews according to current conditions, I hereby instruct as follows: All restrictions on postings are lifted.”

As far as possible, corps members will be posted in alignment with their courses of study. Additionally, postings to specific banks and private sector organizations, including those in the oil and gas industry, will begin initially with Abuja and Lagos. This directive takes effect starting from the commencement date of the 2024 Batch ‘C Orientation Course and applies to all matters related to posting and distributing corps members for their Places of Primary Assignment.

The recently revoked policy significantly hindered their ability to gain the experience needed to effectively prepare for the job market.