NYSC Members Call for Implementation of Increased Allowance

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members across the country are calling on the government to implement the increase in their monthly allowance, which was announced in September 2024. The government had promised to increase the allowance from N33,000 to N77,000, but corps members are yet to receive the new stipend.

Background of the Allowance Increase

The government’s decision to increase the NYSC allowance was made in line with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024, which sets the minimum wage at N70,000. The increase was announced in September 2024, with the government promising that it would take effect from July 2024.

Delay in Implementation Sparks Concerns

However, as of now, there is no official update on when the increased allowance will be disbursed. The delay in implementation has sparked concerns among corps members, who are struggling to make ends meet with the current stipend.

“We are finding it difficult to survive with the current allowance,” said one corps member, who preferred to remain anonymous. “We were excited when we heard about the increase, but it’s been months now, and we haven’t received anything.”

NYSC Director-General’s Reaction

The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, has expressed gratitude to the government for approving the increase. However, corps members are eagerly awaiting the actual disbursement of the new allowance.

“We appreciate the government’s effort to increase our allowance,” said another corps member. “However, we need the money now. We are struggling to pay our bills and feed ourselves.”

Call to Action

NYSC members are calling on the government to expedite the implementation of the increased allowance. They argue that the delay is causing them undue hardship and affecting their ability to serve the country effectively.

“We urge the government to implement the increased allowance without further delay,” said a corps member. “We are willing to serve our country, but we need to be taken care of.”

The delay in implementing the increased NYSC allowance has sparked concerns among corps members. While the government’s decision to increase the allowance is commendable, the delay in implementation is causing undue hardship for corps members. It is imperative that the government expedite the implementation of the increased allowance to alleviate the suffering of NYSC members.