The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has helped the Lagos State Government save an estimated N14.8 billion annually through the deployment of corps members to sectors across the state.
NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this on Thursday during a courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina.
He noted that corps members continue to make significant contributions to Lagos’ socio-economic growth, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and other public and private services, while also fostering national unity and cultural integration.
According to him, Lagos currently accommodates over 44,000 corps members, including 303 doctors, 7,148 teachers, and 274 nurses, with another 35,000 serving in various capacities across different sectors.
“The NYSC scheme has remained a vital instrument for uniting the country and bridging cultural, religious, and socio-economic divides. At the same time, it plays a major role in the socio-economic development of the states and communities where corps members are deployed,” Nafiu said, quoting a statement by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.
“If the state were to employ this number of personnel full-time, it would cost approximately N14.8 billion annually. This is the economic value corps members bring to Lagos.”
He also commended the state government for consistently providing a safe and supportive environment for corps members, adding that Lagos remains the most sought-after posting location in the country.
“Lagos State is 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 added.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while responding, reassured his administration’s commitment to the NYSC scheme, describing corps members as a critical part of Lagos’ development story.
He pledged continued investment in infrastructure to support their activities, including 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 assured.
Sanwo-Olu also praised corps members for their roles in education, healthcare, and other sectors, promising to strengthen the support structures that enable them to excel.
“We commend all our corps members. It is always a thing of joy to identify with them, to see those uniforms, and to continue to encourage them.
“They represent national pride, and we will ensure their time here remains memorable,” he said.
