CESJET Urges Governors to Address Overcrowding, Poor Welfare in NYSC Camps

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has called on state governors to urgently improve accommodation facilities and the overall welfare of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members amid growing concerns over overcrowding in orientation camps across the country.

The organisation made the appeal on Thursday while reacting to the situation at the Sagamu NYSC orientation camp in Ogun State, where more than 4,300 prospective corps members were deployed to a facility designed to accommodate slightly above 2,000 people.

The situation reportedly forced many prospective corps members to sleep in overcrowded multipurpose halls due to inadequate accommodation.

CESJET noted that similar challenges had been recorded in Lagos and other states, where large numbers of graduates were either redirected or temporarily accommodated under difficult conditions.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Isaac Ikpa, the organisation said the recurring problems undermined the dignity and welfare of young Nigerians participating in the national service programme.

The centre stressed that corps members make significant contributions to the development of their host states, particularly in healthcare and education, where they help address manpower shortages.

It noted that many corps members serve as teachers in primary and secondary schools, while others provide essential support in hospitals, especially in underserved communities.

According to the organisation, state governments and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) must take greater responsibility for ensuring that corps members have decent accommodation and conducive living conditions during their orientation programmes.

CESJET described corps members as important partners in state development, arguing that their contributions to public service delivery should be matched with adequate attention to their welfare.

The organisation also called for coordinated intervention by state governments, local government councils and the NYSC to address the persistent infrastructure challenges affecting orientation camps.

It specifically urged governors to invest in additional hostel facilities, infrastructure upgrades and improved logistical support to accommodate increasing numbers of prospective corps members.

The centre also commended the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, for what it described as positive reforms in the areas of posting, welfare and security since he assumed office.

However, it maintained that the efforts of the NYSC leadership would not be sufficient without complementary support from state governors and local government chairmen.

CESJET said states that benefit from the contributions of corps members have a social responsibility to provide adequate facilities and improve their living conditions during orientation.

It added that investment in NYSC infrastructure should be regarded as an investment in human capital development and the effectiveness of public service delivery.

The organisation further urged the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to make accommodation challenges and corps members’ welfare a priority on its agenda to encourage collective action across the country.

It called on state governments and local government councils to work closely with the NYSC to expand and upgrade orientation camps, provide adequate bedding, improve sanitation and strengthen security.

CESJET warned that persistent overcrowding and inadequate facilities could negatively affect the health, morale and overall orientation experience of prospective corps members.

It maintained that young Nigerians who dedicate a year to national service deserve decent living conditions and adequate support from the governments whose communities benefit from their contributions.