February 17, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
The Service Compact with All Nigerians (SERVICOM) has publicly praised the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for recent improvements in orientation camp services, saying enhanced support for corps members reflects better care, welfare, and institutional accountability. The commendation was made following visits to several NYSC orientation camps where SERVICOM officials assessed service delivery to newly mobilised youth.
SERVICOM, the federal agency mandated to monitor public service standards and protect citizens’ rights in dealings with government institutions, said in a statement that its evaluation showed notable improvements in accommodation, food quality, healthcare access, and general camp administration compared with previous years. The agency added that the enhancements are “welcome developments in the welfare of corps members,” many of whom spend their orientation period away from home for the first time.
The directive to review orientation camps came after feedback from corps members and stakeholders who raised concerns about over-crowding, poor sanitation, and inconsistency in basic services at some locations during earlier batches of mobilisation. SERVICOM said its team visited camps in multiple states, engaging both officials and corps members to better understand their experiences and identify areas needing further improvement.
What SERVICOM Noted
In its report, SERVICOM highlighted several specific areas where NYSC has apparently made progress:
- Improved Meals and Nutrition: Camps were reported to be offering better-balanced meals and more consistent meal schedules, reducing complaints about inadequate or substandard food.
- Health and Sanitation: Observers noted cleaner facilities, more efficient access to medical staff, and efforts to maintain hygiene in sleeping quarters and common areas.
- Organisation and Communication: SERVICOM said orientation schedules, announcements and administrative processes appeared more streamlined, contributing to a smoother experience for participants.
Officials emphasised that while positive, these improvements should be sustained and expanded across all NYSC camps nationwide, adding that ongoing monitoring and feedback mechanisms could help maintain standards.
NYSC Response
In response, the NYSC Directorate expressed appreciation for SERVICOM’s recognition and reaffirmed its commitment to improving corps members’ welfare. NYSC representatives reiterated that the welfare of youth participants remains a priority and acknowledged that feedback both positive and critical is essential for refining service delivery.
Why This Matters
The NYSC orientation camp experience is often a young Nigerian’s first extended exposure to national service and life in another part of the country. It plays a key role in shaping attitudes toward unity, discipline, and cooperation among diverse participants. Improvements in camp services can thus enhance the programme’s broader goals — beyond mere compliance with regulations — by creating an environment that respects dignity and fosters positive engagement.
As stakeholders continue to engage on public service standards, SERVICOM’s commendation of NYSC highlights how institutional accountability and citizen feedback can drive better service delivery in programmes that touch the lives of thousands of young Nigerians each year.