The Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has disclosed that the Federal Government will soon issue a directive mandating all government agencies and parastatals to accept corps members posted to them under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Olawande addressed concerns over the rejection of corps members despite the government’s recent decision to lift restrictions on their deployment to private sector organizations.

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He said, “Let them post them first, then we would tackle the rejection. In part of the memo we sent to the NYSC, we clearly stated that there is no barrier. Before now, there was a barrier that corps members could not be posted to certain places.

“Banks come and take them now. If you don’t have experience in banking, how do you want to know that you are good at accounting or whatever? This is also part of how you should learn whatever you studied.”

Olawande revealed that the ministry plans to submit a memo to President Bola Tinubu, requesting an executive order to compel all government agencies and parastatals to accept corps members assigned to them.

“It is a process; we can’t do everything at once. The one in our capacity, we have thrown it out. So, on the barrier, we are also waiting. I know about that too. We will work, and that is why teamwork is good,” the minister added.

Biztellers reports that the Federal Government on November 19, 2024, lifted a longstanding restriction that limited corps members’ postings to public sector institutions.

This policy change now permits the deployment of corps members to private organizations, including banks and oil companies, to broaden their professional exposure.

Olawande also addressed concerns about the delay in implementing the new N77,000 monthly allowance for corps members. While confirming the increase, he assured that the process is nearing completion.

“It is a process. When the government increases so and so, it will follow a process. We are in the process; very soon they will see it. It is not rocket science.

“It has been increased; nobody is saying it has not been increased. But the implementation is in process. And very soon, we are at the tip of it, it is going to start, and we will implement it perfectly,” he stated.

The minister’s remarks come as the government intensifies efforts to address challenges within the NYSC program and enhance the overall experience of corps members, ensuring their contributions to both public and private sectors are maximized.

Nigeria’s former Senate President, Abubakar Saraki has eulogised his political ally, Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who attained 78 years on Monday.

The former governor of Kwara State took to his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Monday to laud the political strides of the Adamawa born political stalwart.

In his view, Atiku is “a compassionate servant of the people whose lifelong dedication to the nation’s progress and unity has earned him the admiration of Nigerians across the globe”.

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Saraki wrote, “His Excellency, Alhaji @Atiku Abubakar, stands as a compassionate servant of the people whose lifelong dedication to the nation’s progress and unity has earned him the admiration of Nigerians across the globe.

“As he marks his 78th birthday today, my family and I join all Nigerians in extending our warmest wishes for a very happy birthday. We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) continues to bless him with good health, strength, and wisdom to sustain his invaluable service to our nation. Ameen.”

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to investigating civil servants who continue to receive salaries after relocating abroad, according to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoS), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack.

Speaking during an event in Abuja marking her first 100 days in office, Walson-Jack debunked claims that the investigation had been abandoned, emphasizing the government’s resolve to address the issue. The event also served as an opportunity to review her tenure in the civil service.

The investigation, launched five months ago by President Bola Tinubu, aims to ensure that civil servants who have relocated for better opportunities no longer benefit from Nigeria’s payroll system. Supervisors and department heads who facilitate such fraudulent activities are also being held accountable.

Walson-Jack revealed that the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) is being employed to scrutinize workers’ movements.

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“You are asking about civil servants who may have ‘Japa’. We know that the issue was raised, and some verifications were carried out. Since then, some returned quickly, while others retired honourably,” she said.

“Right now, we are continuing the process, scrutinising the IPPIS payroll to identify those who are still in the country and those who are not. This will be an ongoing process to ensure that people cannot receive salaries while living abroad,” she added.

Acknowledging progress, Walson-Jack assured that the government would monitor the situation until it is fully resolved.

Reflecting on her tenure, she expressed gratitude to her team, highlighting the support of the ‘Super Permanent Secretaries’ as instrumental to her success.

“The first 100 days in office is a significant milestone. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements made, assess progress, and set goals for the future,” she noted.

Walson-Jack also addressed job racketeering, pledging to work with the Federal Civil Service Commission to eliminate fraudulent recruitment practices.

“Where someone has obtained a job through fraudulent means, we will work with the commission to ensure that the person is sanctioned,” she stated.

This ongoing investigation underscores the government’s effort to restore integrity within the civil service system and ensure accountability at all levels.