Corps Members Lament as They are Yet to Receive N77,000 as Promised

In July 2024, the Federal Government of Nigeria approved an increase in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members’ monthly allowance from N33,000 to N77,000. This increment, aligned with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024, was set to take effect immediately. However, as of March 2025, many corps members report that they are still receiving the old allowance of N33,000, leading to widespread frustration and concern.  

The continued delay in the implementation of the new allowance has left corps members disappointed. Many have taken to social media and other platforms to demand answers from the government. “We were excited when the announcement was made, but months have passed, and we are still being paid N33,000. This is unfair,” one corps member lamented.

In January 2025, the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, addressed the issue, stating that the increased allowance had been incorporated into the 2025 Federal Government budget. He assured corps members that payments would commence once the budget was passed. “Although January has ended, corps members should expect to start receiving the N77,000 allowance from February 2025,” he said.

Despite this assurance, corps members have continued to receive the old allowance, prompting further concerns about the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promise. Many are calling for urgent intervention, emphasizing the financial strain they face due to the delay. “Everything is expensive now, and we were counting on the increment. The government needs to act fast,” another corps member stated.

The delay has significant implications for corps members, who depend on their stipends for essential expenses such as transportation, food, and rent. With the cost of living on the rise, the prolonged wait for the increased allowance has exacerbated their financial struggles, leaving many in difficult situations.