The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has called on employers of corps members across Nigeria to take greater responsibility for their welfare, security and workplace experience, warning that poor treatment of young graduates undermines the objectives of the national service programme.

The call was made on Tuesday during the 2026 Corps Employers’ Workshop held in Sokoto, with the theme: “Fine-Tuning Stakeholders’ Collaboration to Enhance Corps Members’ Welfare and Workplace Experience.”

The workshop brought together NYSC officials, government representatives, employers and other stakeholders to review challenges affecting corps members and strengthen partnerships aimed at improving their service year experience.

Representing the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, the Acting Director of the North-West Area Office II, Alhaji Usman Yakubu Yaro, stressed that employers remain critical partners in ensuring that corps members operate in safe, supportive and productive environments.

He said corps members should not be viewed as temporary labour but as young professionals equipped with skills and knowledge capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.

NYSC Raises Concern Over Corps Members’ Rejection

A major concern highlighted at the workshop was the increasing cases of corps members being rejected by their places of primary assignment.

According to the NYSC Director-General, some employers and corps members engage in deliberate arrangements to facilitate rejection, a development he described as detrimental to the objectives of the scheme.

He urged stakeholders to discourage such practices and ensure that corps members are properly integrated into their assigned organisations.

Nafiu also expressed concern over the underutilisation of corps members, noting that many graduates are not given responsibilities that reflect their academic backgrounds, skills and professional abilities.

He emphasised that organisations stand to benefit more when corps members are assigned meaningful roles that allow them to contribute effectively.

Delayed Clearance, Accommodation and Welfare Challenges

The NYSC management also identified delays in issuing monthly clearance to qualified corps members as another challenge affecting the smooth running of the programme.

The Director-General criticised organisations that fail to formally request corps members but still expect the NYSC to deploy personnel to them, describing such attitudes as counterproductive to effective manpower planning.

Earlier, the NYSC Sokoto State Coordinator, Mr. Gabriel Tyoyer Ter, listed several challenges confronting corps members in the state, including absconding, poor treatment at places of primary assignment, inadequate support for Community Development Service (CDS) projects and accommodation difficulties.

He said the employers’ workshop was designed to create a platform where stakeholders could discuss practical solutions and develop strategies to improve the overall service experience of corps members.

Strengthening Partnership for National Development

The Sokoto NYSC coordinator reaffirmed the commitment of the scheme to promoting national unity, youth empowerment and socio-economic development through the service programme.

He noted that the NYSC Management/Corps Employers’ Forum had continued to strengthen cooperation between the scheme and employers, resulting in improved deployment, monitoring and utilisation of corps members.

Stakeholders at the workshop pledged renewed commitment to working with the NYSC to enhance the welfare, safety and productivity of corps members serving across Sokoto State.

The consensus was that a stronger partnership between employers and the NYSC remains essential to achieving the founding vision of the scheme — building a united Nigeria through meaningful youth engagement and service.

The Federal Government has taken a significant step toward addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges by unveiling a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide the implementation of its Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programme.

The initiative is designed to strengthen the country’s non-military approach to tackling terrorism, violent extremism, armed banditry and other forms of conflict by providing eligible individuals with structured pathways to abandon violence and successfully reintegrate into society.

The development was announced on Monday in Abuja by the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser, Major General Adamu Laka, during the National Validation Workshop on the SOPs for the DDR programme at both the federal level and in the pilot states of Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara.

According to Laka, the newly developed SOPs transform the objectives of the National DDR Framework into practical guidelines that will ensure transparency, accountability, professionalism and effective coordination among all institutions responsible for implementing the programme.

He explained that the procedures were formulated after extensive consultations involving key stakeholders and were informed by Nigeria’s security realities, lessons from previous national experiences and internationally recognised best practices.

The framework clearly outlines the responsibilities of participating institutions, strengthens inter-agency collaboration, standardises operational procedures and ensures that all DDR activities comply with human rights principles and the rule of law.

Laka emphasised that while military operations remain crucial in dismantling terrorist and criminal networks, sustainable peace requires complementary non-kinetic strategies that encourage those willing to renounce violence to safely return to civilian life.

He noted that consultations conducted across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones revealed overwhelming support for a nationally coordinated, community-driven and human rights-based DDR system capable of responding to evolving security threats such as terrorism, violent extremism, banditry, communal clashes, farmer-herder conflicts, organised crime and separatist violence.

The validation workshop also marked an important milestone in institutionalising a transparent and coordinated DDR architecture across Nigeria, with special attention given to the pilot states of Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara due to their unique security challenges.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism at the NCTC, Ambassador Abimbola Wońosikou, said the SOPs were created to harmonise existing rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives under one coordinated national framework.

She disclosed that State DDR Committees have already been established in Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara to oversee implementation at the sub-national level. These committees include representatives from state governments, security agencies, the judiciary, traditional and religious institutions, women’s and youth organisations, civil society groups and technical experts.

According to Wońosikou, the SOPs provide detailed guidance on institutional responsibilities, case management, referral systems, information sharing, community engagement, monitoring and evaluation, coordination mechanisms and safeguards for protecting human rights.

She clarified that while the DDR programme provides rehabilitation opportunities for eligible individuals willing to abandon violence, those found responsible for serious criminal offences will continue to face prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.

Wońosikou also stressed the importance of a coordinated public communication strategy to combat misinformation and improve public understanding of the programme’s objectives.

Representing the United Nations Peace Support Office, Mario Nascimento commended Nigeria for adopting a modern DDR framework that reflects the country’s changing security landscape.

He noted that Nigeria’s approach now extends beyond rehabilitating former combatants to strengthening community resilience and promoting shared responsibility for sustainable peace.

Nascimento emphasised that successful reintegration cannot occur in isolation but requires the active participation of host communities, civil society organisations, local authorities and the private sector.

The new Standard Operating Procedures are expected to serve as the operational backbone of Nigeria’s DDR programme, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing violence, preventing the return of former combatants to armed groups, strengthening community resilience and promoting long-term national peace and stability.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is expected to arraign former Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday over allegations bordering on forgery and the presentation of false official documents.

The arraignment follows Nnaji’s arrest by security operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on July 1, shortly after his return to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The ICPC had confirmed that the arrest was part of an ongoing investigation into allegations against the former minister.

According to the anti-corruption agency, Nnaji is accused of forging academic credentials, including an alleged degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

He is also alleged to have presented a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate during his ministerial screening process in 2023.

The former minister is expected to take his plea before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court.

The allegations have attracted significant public attention, particularly because they relate to the authenticity of credentials submitted for public office. As of the time of filing this report, the court is yet to determine the merits of the allegations, and Nnaji remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in accordance with the law.

Another High-Profile Arraignment Scheduled

In a separate development, the Nigeria Police Force is also scheduled to arraign the Director-General of the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, before the same court on Tuesday.

According to a charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/562/2025, Adeyemi and two other defendants will face an eight-count charge bordering on alleged forgery, impersonation and related offences.

The charge, filed on November 27, 2025, by police prosecutor Wisdom Madaki, lists several witnesses expected to testify during the trial.

Among them are the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside Paul Emmanuel, Jeremiah Imoukhede, Ituah Sylvester, officials from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Akimbo Shola, Adamu Balongu, and a Deputy Superintendent of Police.

The proceedings in both cases are expected to attract considerable public interest as the courts begin hearing allegations involving senior public figures and individuals accused of document forgery and related offences.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Nigerians are likely to face higher prices for essential goods in 2026, warning that the rising cost of living could deepen poverty and food insecurity even as the country’s macroeconomic environment shows signs of improvement.

The projection is contained in the IMF’s July 2026 World Economic Outlook (WEO) Update, which assessed global and regional economic trends.

According to the Fund, Nigeria’s economy is benefiting from improved macroeconomic stability and favourable terms of trade. However, it cautioned that increasing prices of food, energy and other essential commodities remain a major threat to household welfare.

«”Nigeria is supported by improved macroeconomic stability and favourable terms-of-trade effects, though higher prices for essentials are expected to further aggravate poverty and food insecurity,” the IMF stated.»

Global Energy Crisis Driving Inflation

The IMF attributed the inflationary outlook largely to the ongoing global energy crisis, which continues to push up the prices of fuel, transportation and essential commodities across many economies, particularly countries that depend heavily on energy imports.

According to the report, global headline inflation is expected to rise from 4.1 percent in 2025 to 4.7 percent in 2026, before moderating to 3.9 percent in 2027. The upward revision was driven mainly by higher food and energy prices.

The Fund also raised its earlier inflation forecast released in April 2026 by 0.3 percentage point for 2026 and 0.2 percentage point for 2027, reflecting stronger-than-expected inflationary pressures worldwide.

Inflation Outlook Differs Across Countries

The report explained that inflation will not affect all economies equally. Factors such as exchange rate movements, labour market conditions, persistent services inflation and country-specific economic policies will determine how severely individual countries experience rising prices.

The IMF noted that inflation is expected to decline only gradually in several advanced economies, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan and the euro area, while China is also projected to witness a modest increase in inflation from current low levels.

Geopolitical Tensions Pose Major Risk

Beyond inflation, the Fund warned that renewed geopolitical tensions—especially in the Middle East—remain the biggest threat to the global economy.

According to the IMF, any escalation of conflict could disrupt global supply chains, increase commodity prices, weaken currencies, trigger financial market volatility and ultimately slow global economic growth.

However, the report observed that a smoother reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and lower commodity prices than currently anticipated could improve global growth prospects while easing inflationary pressures.

AI Could Boost Growth—but Risks Remain

The IMF also highlighted artificial intelligence (AI) as a potential driver of stronger global economic growth if investments in AI infrastructure continue.

Nevertheless, it warned that excessive optimism surrounding AI and rapidly rising financial markets could create new macro-financial risks if not carefully managed.

IMF Recommends Fiscal Discipline

To strengthen economic resilience, the IMF advised governments benefiting from higher commodity revenues and technological growth to avoid excessive public spending.

Instead, it recommended rebuilding fiscal buffers through prudent debt management, improved tax administration and more efficient public expenditure.

The Fund also urged increased investment in infrastructure, education, renewable energy, digital technology and targeted social protection programmes to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Finally, the IMF called for stronger international cooperation to address commodity price pressures, debt vulnerabilities and global trade challenges. It also cautioned against export bans, warning that such measures often worsen supply shortages and increase price volatility.

For countries facing severe debt challenges, the Fund reiterated that timely debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework, alongside continued IMF financial support where necessary, remains critical to maintaining economic stability.

A Senior Partner at Justice Chambers, Ekemini Udim, has offered a legal perspective on the controversy surrounding the alleged parking violation involving the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, arguing that the former Anambra State governor may not be legally required to apologise or pay the ₦25,000 fine demanded by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

The controversy followed a statement issued by Keyamo on Friday after an internal investigation into Obi’s claim that the tyres of his vehicle were unjustly clamped at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

According to the minister, CCTV footage and findings from the investigation showed that Obi’s vehicle was left unattended in a restricted parking area after he was dropped off at the domestic terminal on July 4, 2026. He stated that airport security personnel clamped the vehicle in line with existing regulations.

Keyamo further alleged that although the vehicle was later released following communication between Obi and an airport manager, the prescribed ₦25,000 parking violation fine was not paid. Consequently, he called on Obi to publicly apologise to airport officials and return within seven days to settle the fine.

Reacting in a video shared on Facebook, Udim argued that the minister lacks the legal authority to pronounce anyone guilty or compel the payment of a fine, insisting that such powers belong exclusively to courts of competent jurisdiction.

The legal practitioner cited previous judicial decisions involving the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), where both the trial court and the Court of Appeal held that the agency could not unilaterally impose fines without first obtaining a court determination of liability.

He argued that if the same legal principle applies to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), then the agency cannot independently determine guilt or enforce punitive fines without judicial backing.

Beyond that argument, Udim maintained that criminal liability is personal under Nigerian law. According to him, responsibility for an alleged offence rests solely on the individual who committed it and cannot automatically be transferred to another person.

He contended that if Obi was not the person driving and parking the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation, then holding him personally responsible for the offence would be inconsistent with the legal principle of personal criminal liability.

According to Udim, the crucial question is whether Obi personally parked the vehicle or whether the alleged infraction, if any, was committed by his driver. He maintained that unless Obi was directly responsible for the act, demanding that he personally pay the fine and issue a public apology would lack legal justification.

The airport parking dispute has generated widespread public debate, with legal and political observers offering differing interpretations of the minister’s directive and the applicable provisions of Nigerian law. Whether the matter proceeds to litigation or is resolved administratively remains to be seen.