The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Olakunle Nafiu, has advised parents and guardians to provide adequate transport funds for prospective corps members travelling to orientation camps across the country, warning that insufficient funds could expose them to serious security risks.
Speaking at a forum organised by the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, Nafiu said it is safer for corps members to have enough money to break their journeys and rest when necessary, rather than continue travelling under unsafe conditions.
He explained that some prospective corps members exhaust their transport fares midway through long-distance journeys and still press on despite worsening travel conditions.
According to him, such situations increase their vulnerability to dangers including kidnapping and other security threats often associated with night travel.
The NYSC boss also urged corps members to begin travel preparations immediately after receiving their call-up numbers, warning against last-minute movement that may compromise safety.
He stressed that corps members should avoid travelling after 6 p.m., advising anyone still on the road by nightfall to stop over and continue the journey the next day.
Nafiu further disclosed that the NYSC has strengthened collaboration with security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force and the military to enhance security along major travel routes through escorts, patrols and intelligence support.
He also cautioned prospective corps members against fraudsters who claim they can influence deployment postings, clarifying that the posting process is automated and cannot be manipulated externally.
The Director-General added that only legally married women and corps members with verified medical conditions qualify for consideration for special postings closer to their families or healthcare facilities.