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, effective from that month, in line with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.
However, as of March 2025, many corps members report that they are still receiving the previous allowance of N33,000. This discrepancy has led to widespread concern and frustration among the corps members, who are calling for the immediate implementation of the promised increase to alleviate their financial challenges.
The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, addressed this issue in January 2025, stating that the new allowance had been incorporated into the 2025 Federal Government budget and that payments would commence once the budget was passed. He indicated that, although January had concluded, corps members should expect to start receiving the N77,000 allowance from February 2025.
Despite this assurance, the continued disbursement of the old allowance has prompted corps members to express their grievances, urging the government to fulfill its commitment and provide the approved financial support.
The delay in implementing the increased allowance has significant implications for corps members, who rely on this stipend to cover essential expenses such as transportation, feeding, and other daily needs. The prolonged wait for the promised increment has exacerbated their financial hardships, leading to calls for prompt action from the relevant authorities to resolve the situation.
