The Federal Government has approved an increase in the feeding allocation for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) during their orientation course, with the new rate expected to take effect in 2027.

The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this while interacting with members of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream One at the Cross River State NYSC Orientation Camp in Obubra.

Nafiu said the Budget Office had been notified of the upward review, expressing hope that implementation would commence next year.

He urged corps members to embrace financial discipline by avoiding unnecessary spending, managing their resources responsibly and developing the habit of saving.

The Director-General also commended Nigerian youths for their resilience and commitment to national service, urging them to remain focused on contributing positively to national development.

On security, Nafiu advised corps members to avoid travelling after 6 p.m., recommending that those embarking on long journeys suspend their trips for the night and continue the following morning.

He warned against sleeping in public places or gathering in groups at filling stations while travelling, noting that such practices could expose them to security risks.

“Proceed to military installations, police stations or DSS offices, and contact the NYSC hotline,” he advised, urging corps members to seek assistance from security agencies whenever necessary.

Nafiu further assured the corps members that efforts would be intensified to engage relevant stakeholders in providing and rehabilitating infrastructure at the Obubra Orientation Camp.

He encouraged them to acquire practical and vocational skills to complement their academic qualifications, improve their employability and create additional income opportunities.

The NYSC chief specifically highlighted areas such as cosmetology and traditional hairstyling, urging corps members to explore skills that could benefit them during and after their service year.

Earlier, the NYSC Cross River State Coordinator, Mrs Adejoke Oyenuga, described the Director-General’s visit as a demonstration of his commitment to the welfare of corps members.

In her assessment of the camp, Oyenuga disclosed that 1,064 corps members had been registered for the orientation exercise, adding that they had successfully adapted to the camp’s structured environment.

The proposed increase in feeding allocation is expected to improve the welfare of corps members during orientation, as the NYSC leadership continues to encourage financial responsibility, personal safety and skills development among participants.