By Olokuta Rofiat
Several National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), members serving in Abuja have expressed frustration over what they describe as a “connection-based system” for securing Places of Primary Assignment (PPAs), lamenting that influence often determines who gets favourable postings.
Speaking with Abuja City Journal, corps member Segun Damilola Naomi said she relocated to Abuja solely for her service year but has faced numerous challenges since leaving camp.
She noted that her initial posting was unfavorable, with repeated transfers that consumed her entire first allowance on transportation.
Damilola recounted that when she tried to find a new PPA independently, many organizations asked who referred her before considering her application.
“Once I said no one sent me, they instantly rejected me,” she said, adding that she eventually got accepted into her current PPA through her friend’s uncle’s influence.
Another corps member, who preferred to remain anonymous, described life after camp as “stressful and expensive,” citing high transportation costs and poor working conditions.
According to her, some PPAs impose unrealistic sales targets up to ₦50 million monthly and demand long working hours, sometimes extending to Sundays.
Both corps members agreed that securing a good PPA in Abuja largely depends on knowing the right people.
Their experiences underscore growing concerns among corps members about fairness and transparency in NYSC posting processes within the Federal Capital Territory.
