The National Youth Service Corps is working with the National Identity Management Commission to allow prospective corps members to complete biometric verification and registration from home, the scheme's Director General has announced.

Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu disclosed this at a News Agency of Nigeria forum in Abuja ahead of the scheme's 53rd anniversary, scheduled for 22 May, describing the collaboration as part of broader technology driven reforms to improve service delivery and reduce bottlenecks in mobilisation processes.

"We are trying to move with technology so that registration processes will be easier for youth corps members. Some go to register and wait for hours in designated cybercafes or shops," he stated.

"So, we are looking at a situation whereby, from the comfort of their homes, they can log in, provide details, and register. We are working with NIMC to get biometrics," he added.

Nafiu noted that corps members currently use electronic identity cards accessible through mobile phones, with verification procedures being further streamlined through integration with the national identity database.

The Director General attributed mobilisation delays to rising graduate numbers, budgetary constraints, inadequate orientation camp facilities, and delays by tertiary institutions in forwarding approved Senate lists for prospective members.

He revealed that the Federal Government increased NYSC's annual mobilisation quota from 400,000 to 450,000 members, though growing enrolment continued to strain camps, staffing, and operational funding. The scheme, established in 1973 with 2,346 corps members, currently has fewer than 6,000 officials managing more than 450,000 participants nationwide.

Nafiu commended Lagos, Gombe, Adamawa, Enugu, and Osun states for constructing and renovating orientation camp facilities to improve accommodation capacity.

He urged state and local governments to take greater responsibility for infrastructure support, noting that financial gestures alone were insufficient.

"The Federal Government pays allowances and funds orientation activities, but state governments are expected to provide good camp facilities. Local governments should also provide corps lodges and support facilities," he disclosed.

"Some governors will feel that because they donated rice, cows, or money, they have done enough," he observed, adding that NYSC was engaging stakeholders to strengthen support across Nigeria.