The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Olakunle Nafiu, has advised parents and guardians to provide adequate transport money for prospective corps members travelling to orientation camps across Nigeria, warning that lack of funds could expose them to serious danger.
Speaking during a forum organised by the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, Nafiu explained that many corps members take unnecessary risks during their journeys because they do not have enough money to stop and rest when travelling conditions become unsafe.
According to him, some young Nigerians continue travelling deep into the night after exhausting their transport funds, even when they should pause the journey and continue the next day. He warned that such situations expose them to risks including kidnapping, robbery and other security threats commonly associated with night travel.
The NYSC boss strongly advised corps members not to travel after 6pm under any circumstance. He stressed that anyone still on the road as evening approaches should find a safe place to spend the night instead of forcing themselves to continue the journey.
Nafiu also urged prospective corps members to start preparing for camp immediately after receiving their call-up numbers, rather than waiting until the last minute before travelling.
He revealed that the NYSC has strengthened collaboration with security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force and the military to improve the safety of corps members through patrols, escorts and intelligence support along major travel routes.
The Director-General further warned Nigerians against fraudsters who claim they can influence NYSC postings in exchange for money. He clarified that deployment is handled automatically through the scheme’s system and cannot be manipulated externally.
According to him, only legally married women and corps members with verified medical conditions are eligible for special consideration regarding postings closer to family members or healthcare facilities.