After months of delays, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members may soon receive the long-awaited ₦77,000 monthly allowance, as the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to paying both the new stipend and outstanding arrears. The increment, announced in September 2024, was meant to raise corps members’ allowance from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000, aligning with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024. However, implementation has been stalled, leading to widespread frustration.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, assured that serving corps members and those in the scheme when the increase was announced would receive backdated payments. He emphasized that the government is aware of the corps members who are eligible for the new allowance and that they will not be left out of the payment plan. He reassured them that while the process may take some time, the backlog will eventually be settled.
Since the announcement six months ago, corps members have repeatedly demanded answers on why the promised increase has not been implemented. The NYSC Director General, Olakunle Nafiu, recently indicated that payments should begin in March 2025, a statement that Olawande also confirmed. Explaining the delay, the minister cited budgetary constraints, stating that the new allowance was not included in the initial budget when it was announced. He further explained that government payments require proper allocations and approvals before disbursement can commence, which is why the process has taken longer than expected.
With the budget now approved, corps members should expect the full implementation of the ₦77,000 monthly allowance along with backdated payments for those affected since September 2024. The minister, however, cautioned that the disbursement may not happen immediately but assured that payments would be made in due time. The commitment from government officials has reignited hope among corps members, though many are still waiting to see actual payments reflect in their accounts. As March progresses, all eyes will be on the NYSC and the Federal Government to ensure the long-promised allowance finally reaches corps members nationwide.
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