Despite the Federal Government’s recent approval of a ₦77,000 monthly allowance for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, many corps members have been left disappointed as they received only ₦33,000 for September. This payment came despite the official announcement of an increase in the monthly allowance, which was to take effect starting in July 2024, following the enactment of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.
The government had promised this increase as part of broader efforts to alleviate the financial struggles of NYSC members amidst rising living costs and inflation. Corps members had anticipated this higher payment to bring them some relief, but the delay in implementation has sparked widespread frustration, particularly on social media. Many took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their dissatisfaction, with some claiming they had yet to receive any payment at all, while those who were paid only saw the previous ₦33,000.
Reports confirm that the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, had lobbied for an improved welfare package for corps members, which resulted in the new ₦77,000 allowance. The official approval was issued by the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission in a letter dated September 25, 2024, and signed by Chairman Ekpo Nta. However, the sudden payment of the old allowance for September has fueled public outcry.
