The federal government has announced an increase in the monthly allowance for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, raising it from the current N33,000 to N77,000. The increase, which takes effect from July 2024, is aimed at improving the welfare of corps members across the country.
The announcement was made on Wednesday through a post on the official Facebook page of the NYSC. The statement explained that the adjustment followed the enactment of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act of 2024. According to the NYSC, the approval came through a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, dated September 25, 2024, and signed by the Commission’s Chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta.
The NYSC leadership expressed optimism that the increment would provide much-needed financial relief to the corps members, many of whom face economic challenges during their mandatory one-year service. “The Federal Government has approved the increment of Corps Members’ monthly allowance to Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira (N77,000) with effect from July 2024,” the statement read.
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Prior to the approval, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, had engaged with the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, advocating for an enhanced welfare package for the corps members. During his visit, General Ahmed emphasized the importance of providing better financial support for the young Nigerians serving their country, stressing that the current economic realities make it necessary to review their stipends.
In the statement, the NYSC expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its timely response, describing the gesture as a major morale booster for the corps members. “The NYSC Boss is thankful to the Federal Government for the timely gesture and is optimistic that it will not only bring much-needed succor to the Corps Members but also boost their morale and motivate them to do even more in their service to the nation.”
This development comes as part of broader efforts by the government to address issues related to the minimum wage and improve the standard of living for workers in the country. The increment in the corps members’ allowance is expected to significantly enhance their capacity to meet basic needs and contribute to their productivity during the service year.
The increase in stipends has been well-received by both corps members and stakeholders, who see it as a positive step in improving the overall NYSC experience.
