The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has commenced the disbursement of the newly approved monthly allowance of ₦77,000 to corps members, effective March 2025.
This adjustment follows the Federal Government’s decision in September 2024 to increase the allowance from ₦33,000, aligning with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024
Despite the approval in September 2024, the implementation faced delays, leading to corps members receiving the increased allowance six months later. The Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, assured members last week that the new allowance would commence in March 2025.
Additionally, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, confirmed that serving corps members and those in the scheme during the announcement would receive backdated payments to cover the delayed period.
Netizens have reacted with appreciation, noting that Raye, the NYSC corps member who spoke up with her 30-day rant challenge should be commended for speaking up for all corps members: “As a token of appreciation, all NYSC Corpers should consider paying her an honorarium of ₦2,000 from their ₦77,000 allowance, recognising her efforts in advocating for the increase from ₦33,000.”
Corps members have taken to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express their reactions. User @CorperRaye stated, “Finally, the ₦77,000 allawee has landed! Better late than never.” Another user, @NaijaCorper, commented, “After months of waiting, we can now breathe. Kudos to those who made this possible.”
However, some expressed skepticism about the timing, with @VoiceOfYouth noting, “While we appreciate the increase, the delay was unnecessary. Hoping for more prompt actions in the future.”
The implementation of the increased allowance is expected to alleviate some financial challenges faced by corps members, reflecting the government’s commitment to their welfare.
