NYSC, INEC sign reviewed MoU on Corps members engagement in elections

By Matthew Eloyi

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) signed a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the engagement of Corps members for electoral tasks on Tuesday.

INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and NYSC Director-General Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim jointly signed the MoU, according to the commission’s daily bulletin.

According to the bulletin, Yakubu stated that this was not the first time, but rather a review of the existing agreement between the two organizations.

While signing the MoU at INEC Headquarters, Yakubu said “It has identified 11 obligations on the part of INEC and 10 obligations on the part of the NYSC.

“I want to assure you D-G that we will continue to emphasise the security and welfare of Corps members on election duty. I know that the MoU provides for a periodic review after every four years but this is a regular periodic review.

“Whenever the need arises, the Commission is always willing to review aspects of the memorandum at any time in order to attain to these two objectives of ensuring the security and welfare of the Corps members.”

“The MoU is governed by the laws of Nigeria and it shows INEC commitments and seriousness particularly to security and welfare of the Corps members,” Yakubu added.

He said that the MoU would provide insurance cover for all ad-hoc staff under the INEC personnel hazard policy for the period of engagement.

In his words, “This covers injury, permanent disability, loss of life and property or any person declared missing in the cause of carrying out the Commission’s assigned duties,

“This is why appropriate sections of the public service rules will apply to the NYSC staff, as well as other employees who are public servants serving in the federation of Nigeria.”

Yakubu commended the selflessness, dedication and commitment of members of the NYSC scheme’s contribution towards the successful conduct of elections in the country, saying, “Nigeria is Fortunate to have the NYSC”.

Yakubu further reassured that INEC would continue to do what it needs to do to ensure that the safety and welfare of the corps members remain priority.

On his part, Ibrahim, appreciated INEC for the long-standing cordial relationship between the two organisations, saying there is enormous contribution of Corps members in enhancing the credibility of elections in Nigeria.

The D-G urged INEC to sustain the relationship with the NYSC, and assured that the Corps members remain committed to serving the Country and contributing to conduct of credible elections.

According to INEC bulletin, the signing of the MoU was also witnessed by all 12 National Commissioners, Secretary to the Commission; Mr Rose Anthony-Oriaran; the Director-General of the Electoral Institute, Dr Saád Idris, Directors and other management staff of the Commission.