The Federal Government has begun payment of the N77,000 monthly allowance to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, fulfilling a promise made by the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu.
Corps Members Receive N77,000 NYSC Allowance
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, confirmed that the backlog of payments will also be cleared. According to reports, several corps members received credit alerts on Wednesday, confirming the implementation of the new allowance.
One NYSC member in Lagos, identified simply as Chinedu, expressed excitement over the payment. “I just checked my account balance, and I saw N77,000 credited from the Federal Government. This is a huge relief,” he said.
NYSC Allowance Increase Linked to Minimum Wage Act
In September 2024, the Federal Government announced the allowance increase, aligning it with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024. The announcement was met with excitement among corps members, who had long awaited the adjustment.
However, despite repeated government assurances, the implementation faced multiple delays before finally taking effect in March 2025.
Corps Members Celebrate as NYSC Implements New Pay
The publisher of Corpers Diary (@corpersdiary_ng), an online platform for NYSC members, Jeremiah Olatinwo, also confirmed that payments have started. “Yes, corps members have started receiving their new allowance in line with the newly approved minimum wage,” he stated.
Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, who established the NYSC in 1973, previously acknowledged the program’s success despite initial student opposition. The scheme, designed to promote national unity, has evolved over the years, with various reforms, including this latest wage adjustment.
The Federal Government’s implementation of the new NYSC allowance is a major step in addressing economic concerns faced by corps members, ensuring they receive financial support in line with the country’s new minimum wage structure.
