The Corpers’ Journey Advocacy Network (CJAN) has urged the Federal Government and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to prioritise the provision of safe and decent accommodation for corps members across the country.

CJAN’s Managing Director, Taiwo Ajayi, in a statement, described corps members as “national assets” whose welfare must be central to NYSC’s operations.

He noted that poor housing remains one of the biggest challenges faced by young Nigerians during their service year, especially in rural postings.

According to him, many corps members are left to secure their own accommodation, often ending up in overcrowded hostels, unsafe rented apartments, or dilapidated buildings — conditions he said expose them to health and security risks while reducing their productivity.

Ajayi called on the government to adopt a structured housing policy that guarantees standard lodges in every state through partnerships with local governments, host communities, and the private sector.

He also emphasised the need for strict monitoring of accommodation pledges made by organizations where corps members are deployed.

“Providing suitable housing is not a privilege but a right,” Ajayi said. “When corps members feel safe and respected, they are better motivated to serve their host communities effectively.”

He added that investing in corps members’ welfare is a direct investment in national development and urged immediate reforms ahead of the next NYSC deployment.