NYSC NEWS
NYSC Allocates ₦520m for Ambulances, ₦120m for Bunk Beds in 2025 Budget
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has unveiled plans to improve corps members’ welfare in its 2025 budget, sparking conversations nationwide
The proposal includes ₦520 million for four ambulance buses, ₦120 million for bunk beds, and ₦35 million for life jackets. While these plans appear promising, concerns over-inflated costs and lack of transparency have sparked heated debates.
The spotlight has been on the staggering ₦520 million allocated for just four ambulance buses, translating to ₦130 million per bus. Many Nigerians have questioned how a single ambulance could cost that much.
“It doesn’t add up,” said Victor Akande, a former corps member. “Is there something special about these ambulances? The NYSC needs to explain this to Nigerians.”
To ease accommodation struggles, ₦120 million has been allocated for 1,000 double bunk beds, while ₦52 million will go toward mattresses. Though this seems like a step in the right direction, critics argue that it barely scratches the surface of the challenges faced in overcrowded orientation camps.
“For years, we’ve been hearing about poor living conditions in camps,” said Sarah Agbo, the mother of a serving corps member. “Will these beds and mattresses even reach the camps that need them most?”
The budget also highlights efforts to improve safety, with ₦35 million set aside for life jackets and ₦45 million allocated for boreholes in orientation camps. However, there’s little information on which camps will benefit.
“Flood-prone states desperately need life jackets, and many camps still lack basic water supply,” noted Akande. “Without specific details, how can we trust that these funds will go where they’re needed most?”
Another big-ticket item is the ₦300 million set aside for constructing a Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Centre. Yet, the NYSC has not disclosed the location of the proposed facility, raising concerns about accessibility for corps members.
“How do you allocate such a large sum for a project without naming where it will be built?” asked governance advocate Ngozi Ude. “This lack of clarity makes it hard to trust the process.”
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Other notable budget allocations include ₦400 million for four pickup vans, pegged at ₦100 million each; ₦136 million for 160 laptops, averaging ₦850,000 per laptop; ₦78 million for an MF tractor; ₦24 million for solar-powered security lights; and ₦28.9 million for Man O’ War gadgets.
“These prices seem out of touch with reality,” said Ude. “Are there no cheaper options? It raises questions about accountability.”
While the NYSC says the budget aims to improve corps members’ welfare and operational efficiency, many argue it misses critical priorities, such as renovating dilapidated camps or providing advanced training programs for life after service.
“Budgets should reflect what matters most,” said Ude. “Why is so much being spent on vehicles and gadgets instead of fixing run-down facilities or creating opportunities for corps members to thrive?”
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As the NYSC defends its proposed spending, Nigerians are demanding detailed explanations and assurances that every naira will be spent responsibly. For now, many remain skeptical, with calls for accountability growing louder by the day.
In the words of Akande, “This isn’t just about money; it’s about trust. The NYSC must show us that these funds will truly benefit the youth who serve this country.”NYSC’s 2025 Budget Stirs Debate Over Ambulance Costs, Corps Welfare