FG increases NYSC monthly allowance to ₦77,000
The Federal Government has officially raised the monthly allowance for corps members under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000. This increase, effective from July 2024, aligns with the newly signed National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act of 2024, which set the minimum wage for Nigerian workers at ₦70,000.
The announcement came via a statement issued on September 25, 2024, by Caroline Embu, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations at NYSC. The approval was confirmed in a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, signed by its Chairman, Ekpo Nta.
The corps members’ allowance has been a topic of much discussion since the President, Bola Tinubu, signed the new Minimum Wage Bill into law on July 29, 2024. Prior to this, corps members received a ₦33,000 monthly allowance, following an earlier revision of the minimum wage in 2019. The previous minimum wage of ₦30,000 had resulted in a corresponding adjustment to corps members’ stipends, which had been an upgrade from the previous ₦19,800.
In light of the newly enacted minimum wage, there was widespread speculation about whether corps members’ allowances would also be increased. However, NYSC management cautioned that any decision on the matter rested solely with the Federal Government. That clarification has now been put to rest with this official announcement.
The Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed, had played a key role in pushing for the pay increase. During a recent courtesy visit to the Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, Ahmed advocated for a more substantial welfare package for corps members. His efforts were ultimately successful.
In a statement, Ahmed expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government for the raise, noting that it would offer much-needed financial relief to corps members across the country. He also said that the increase would boost morale and encourage greater dedication to service.
“This approval is a major step forward for the welfare of our corps members,” Ahmed said. “We are grateful to the Federal Government for listening to our plea and ensuring that the corps members’ needs are met. This increase will not only provide much-needed support but will also motivate these young Nigerians to go above and beyond in their service to the nation.”
Ahmed expressed optimism that this change would improve the overall experience of corps members, encouraging them to contribute even more meaningfully to the communities they serve during their one-year mandatory national service.
As part of his advocacy efforts, Ahmed highlighted that the financial strain on corps members had been a major concern, particularly with rising inflation and the economic realities of the country. The allowance increase is expected to alleviate some of these burdens, enabling corps members to better cope with their responsibilities.
The announcement has been met with widespread approval from current and prospective corps members, who view the raise as a positive step toward improving their welfare during their national service year. Many have praised the Federal Government for addressing the long-standing issue, calling the decision timely and necessary.
