FG Lifts NYSC Posting Ban, Opens Doors to Private Sector Jobs for Youth

By Eagle Eye Watch News24

In a significant move aimed at enhancing youth employment opportunities, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has officially lifted the long-standing ban on National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members being posted to private sector organizations. This new directive, which will take effect from the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Orientation, allows corps members to serve in various private companies, including banks, oil and gas firms, and other key industries. The announcement was made by the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, in a memo dated November 18, 2024, and made available to the public on November 19.

Olawande stated that this policy change aligns with President Tinubu’s broader strategy to tackle Nigeria’s rising youth unemployment rate by offering corps members a chance to gain valuable experience in their fields of study.

According to the minister, the new policy is set to begin with the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Orientation, and the first phase will apply to Abuja and Lagos. The policy will allow corps members to be posted to various private sector organizations, including prominent banks and oil and gas companies.

In his memo, Olawande emphasized that this policy shift is a critical step toward addressing Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis. He pointed out that the previous restriction, which limited corps members to the public sector, had hindered them from acquiring the necessary experience in industries directly related to their academic backgrounds. The need to review this policy has become urgent, as it expands opportunities for corps members to serve in fields that align with their studies, thus preparing them better for the labor market,” said Olawande in his statement.

Olawande further clarified that the revamped policy would provide corps members with the experience needed to thrive in their chosen professions. He added that, starting with the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Orientation, postings would be made in a manner that aligns more closely with the corps members’ courses of study, ensuring that their service year becomes a valuable stepping stone for their careers. The minister also acknowledged that the earlier policy, which restricted NYSC members to the public sector, had greatly hindered their development by limiting exposure to private sector environments where many of Nigeria’s top job opportunities exist.