Benue gov assures NYSC members of improved security
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised allegations against the federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and members of the National Assembly, over what it described as a growing trend of rejection, exploitation and non-payment of stipends to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.

This was as the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, assured corps members of security in the state, saying that more security operatives had been deployed to the state.

In a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA decried what it termed a dehumanising and anti-Nigerian culture within government establishments, particularly in Abuja, where corps members were reportedly turned away or used as unpaid labour.

The group alleged despite previous government directives mandating MDAs to accept NYSC members, most government offices continue to reject them.

“Government offices have become notorious for frequently rejecting NYSC members posted to them for primary assignments,” the statement read.

HURIWA accused senators and members of the House of Representatives of compounding the issue by allegedly refusing to pay corps members posted to their offices, despite assigning them complex tasks typically performed by full-time employees.

“From intelligence we gathered from speaking to the corps members attached to the National Assembly, these legislators do not pay stipends, not even a token of N10,000 monthly, while overburdening corps members with official duties,” Onwubiko said.

Meanwhile, Alia warned heads of MDAs against the rejection of corps members posted to them.

He gave the warning, yesterday, during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch A Stream II orientation course at the NYSC camp in Wannune, Tarka Local Council of Benue.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth, Sports Development and Creativity, Terkimbi Ikyange, reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of corps members posted to the state.

He said: “Let me remind all corps employers, particularly MDAs as well as the private sector in the state that the policy of non-rejection of corps members is still enforced. For the avoidance of doubt, any state government agency head, who defies this directive could be sanctioned accordingly.

“Our dear state has experienced insecurity through unprovoked attacks on our communities in recent times. My administration has not rested on its oars through consistent engagement with the security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen security intervention and provide lasting solutions to these persistent attacks.”