Hon. Adebayo Balogun, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters
The House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately pay all outstanding insurance claims owed to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members injured or killed while serving as ad hoc staff during elections.
The directive followed a briefing from NYSC officials, who disclosed that several Corps members affected during the 2023 general elections, including three shot in Delta and Akwa Ibom states, have yet to receive the ₦1 million insurance coverage promised under the MoU with INEC. While medical support was provided, the insurance payouts remain unpaid.
NYSC’s Director of Welfare, Omotade Ayodele Folorunsho, highlighted poor welfare conditions, inadequate lodging, and minimal stipends for election duties. He recommended shifting Corps deployment for elections to the Office of the National Security Adviser for better coordination and protection.
Rep. Alex Egbona moved a motion, unanimously adopted, directing INEC to ensure the insurance firm settles all claims within four weeks. Committee Chairman, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, commended Corps members’ indispensable role in elections and emphasised that their safety, dignity, and welfare must be prioritised.
Balogun stressed that democracy relies on the sacrifices of these young Nigerians and pledged legislative efforts to secure their protection, improved working conditions and proper recognition during election duties.
