Lagos saves ₦14.8bn yearly through NYSC corps members – DG

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says Lagos State is saving about ₦14.8 billion annually by deploying corps members across key sectors instead of hiring full-time staff.

NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Marina, on Thursday.

He revealed that Lagos currently accommodates more than 44,000 corps members, including 303 doctors, 7,148 teachers, and 274 nurses, with another 35,000 serving in other vital roles.

“If the state were to employ this number of personnel full-time, it would cost approximately ₦14.8 billion annually. This is the economic value corps members bring to Lagos,” Nafiu said in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Gboyega Akosile.

The NYSC boss praised Lagos for providing a safe and enabling environment, describing the state as the “number one destination” for corps members nationwide.

“Parents are always eager and comfortable when their sons and daughters are posted to Lagos because of the peaceful atmosphere and opportunities here,” he noted.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in response, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the NYSC scheme, announcing plans to establish a permanent NYSC site in Ikorodu.

“We are very deliberate and intentional about supporting corps members. It is gratifying that a large number of them are serving in Lagos. We will continue to provide an enabling environment for them to feel welcomed, appreciated, and valued during their service year,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu commended corps members for their roles in education, healthcare, and public service, stressing that they remain a “critical part of Lagos’ development story.”

“They represent national pride, and we will ensure their time here remains memorable,” he added.