Nigerian Government Increases NYSC Corps Members’ Allowance to N77,000

In a move that brings financial relief to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members across Nigeria, the federal government has announced a significant increase in the monthly allowance for corps members. The new allowance, set at N77,000, comes into effect from July 2024, marking a substantial jump from the previous N33,000. This adjustment follows a formal statement issued on the NYSC’s official X page, signed by Caroline Embu, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations.

According to the NYSC statement, the increment was sanctioned by the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, in a letter dated 25 September 2024, and signed by its Chairman, Ekpo Nta. This raise is in line with the provisions of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act of 2024. The approval followed an advocacy visit by NYSC Director General, Yusha’u Ahmed, to the commission. Corps members, who previously earned N33,000 following a 2019 adjustment, will now see their monthly earnings rise by an additional N44,000.

NYSC Allowance Increase Follows National Minimum Wage Amendment

The increase in NYSC corps members’ allowance comes on the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of a higher national minimum wage. In July 2024, President Tinubu signed into law the new minimum wage bill, which raised the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000. This legislative change followed months of tense negotiations between the government, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), both of which had launched strikes demanding wage increases for workers to cope with inflation and rising living costs.

The government’s decision to align the NYSC allowance with the new minimum wage is seen as a positive step in addressing the economic challenges facing corps members. Many corps members are often deployed to remote and economically disadvantaged areas, where the cost of living has been significantly impacted by Nigeria’s soaring inflation rates. This increase, retroactive to July 2024, will offer corps members much-needed financial support in an increasingly difficult economic climate.

Boosting Morale and Financial Relief for Corps Members

Reacting to the announcement, NYSC Director General Yusha’u Ahmed expressed his gratitude to the government for approving the pay raise, emphasizing the importance of the allowance in boosting corps members’ morale. In his statement, Mr. Ahmed highlighted how the increment will provide financial relief for young Nigerians participating in the mandatory one-year service, many of whom have been struggling with rising food prices, transportation costs, and other basic needs.

The NYSC program, established in 1973, has been a critical part of national integration and youth development in Nigeria. However, the increasing financial burden on corps members in recent years has led to widespread calls for an upward review of their monthly allowance. With this latest increase, many believe that corps members will now be better equipped to meet the demands of the service year while contributing meaningfully to the communities where they are posted. This move has been widely praised by various stakeholders, including labour unions, who have long advocated for better compensation for Nigeria’s youth corps membe

Implementation of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024

The new corps members’ allowance is part of broader national efforts to adjust wages in line with the amended National Minimum Wage Act. President Tinubu’s signing of the 2024 Minimum Wage Bill has laid the foundation for a new wage structure across various sectors in the country. The NYSC’s adjustment reflects this legislative change and reinforces the government’s commitment to ensuring better living standards for young Nigerians participating in the mandatory service.

According to Embu’s statement, the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission formally communicated the salary adjustment in a letter dated September 25, 2024. The letter, signed by the Commission’s Chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta, highlighted that the new allowance will apply to all corps members from July onwards. This long-anticipated increase has been welcomed by many Nigerians, especially youth corps members who have been grappling with rising living costs.

Corps Members and the NYSC Leadership React

The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its swift action in approving the new allowance. According to Ahmed, the decision followed an advocacy visit he made to the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, where he emphasized the need for a more robust welfare package for corps members. His request was met with a positive response, resulting in this significant boost to their stipends.

Ahmed believes the increase will not only provide financial relief to the corps members but also boost their morale and dedication to national service. He is hopeful that this improved welfare package will motivate corps members to be more productive, especially in rural areas where many of them are posted. The move is seen as part of the government’s broader plan to empower Nigerian youth and ensure that their contributions to nation-building are well rewarded.