Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello said yesterday it would be difficult for governments to increase allowances of National Youth Service Corps’ (NYSC’s) members and civil servants’ salaries because of recession.
This followed protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), asking governments to increase workers’ salaries.
The governor hoped when the recession is over, his administration will review corps members’ allowances and civil servants’ salaries.
Speaking at the closing of the 2016 Batch ‘B’ Stream 2 NYSC orientation in Paiko, Bello said it would not be a bad idea to increase allowances and salaries, “but the government cannot give what it does not have. It will be meaningless to increase salaries and be unable to pay them.
“Because of inflation, prices of goods and services have increased. It will not be a bad idea to review the allowances of corps members. However, because we are experiencing recession, even if we want to increase allowances and salaries, it will be difficult to do so.
“On one hand, I will support increase because of inflation, but on the other, you cannot give what you do not have. This is our challenge. I hope we get out of this challenge soon so that we can review many things, not only NYSC’s allowances, but salaries. It is unfortunate that at this time, it will be difficult, but we will keep our fingers crossed and see what happens.”
He lamented that finances of most states had reduced by over 50 per cent, with some states and local governments finding it difficult to pay salaries.
The governor enjoined employers to accept the corps members sent to them, warning that the government would not tolerate their rejection.
He urged corps members to contribute to the development of the communities they would be posted to, saying they should support the government to ensure increase in standard of living.
NYSC Coordinator Mrs. Theresa Ibukun Arokoyo warned corps members against travelling unnecessarily.
“You must realise the government and your families and relations need you, having invested much in your training and upbringing. You must, therefore, ensure you travel only when it is necessary and you are permitted.”
She urged the government to complete the NYSC permanent orientation camp.
Kaduna embarks on camp’s renovation
The Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai administration has begun the renovation of facilities at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp, Youth Sports and Culture Commissioner Mr. Daniel Danauta said yesterday.
Danauta, who spoke at the closing of 2016 Batch ‘B’ Stream 2 orientation for corps members, said the government began the renovation to support the realisation of NYSC’s goals and objectives.
He said: “We have started phase by phase renovation of facilities to provide a conducive environment.
“We expect the first phase of work to be completed before the call-up of next batch of corps members.
“Our expectation is that you will reciprocate this gesture by contributing to the state’s socio-economic development.
“The government will support the scheme to ensure realisation of its goals and objectives.”
NYSC Coordinator Malam Bello Ballama advised corps members to stay away from local and communal politics.
He said they should avoid arguments.
“Endeavour to be modest, wise, humble and security-conscious at all times. Identify with areas of need of your host communities and come up with strategies to ameliorate their suffering by initiating and executing community development projects.
“I urge you as agents of development to be involved in the programmes and policies of this administration aimed at transforming the country.”
Ballama enjoined host communities to prioritise security of corps members.