The increase in the monthly allowance of corps members to N77,000, effective July 2024, has been approved by the Federal Government.
In accordance with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024’s enactment, the approval was contained in a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, dated September 25, 2024, and signed by the Chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta, according to a statement signed by the NYSC’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, on Wednesday.
Prior to the rise, corps members received a monthly stipend of N33,000 when the minimum wage was raised to N30,000 in 2019.
Report states that President Bola Tinubu signed the new Minimum Wage Bill into law on July 29, 2024.
The minimum pay required by law was N70,000. The increase in corpers’ salary had been the subject of conjecture after the new minimum wage was approved, despite the NYSC management’s insistence that the federal government alone could decide whether to raise the corpers’ allowance.
In her statement, Embu claimed that the Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Yusha’u Ahmed, paid an advocacy visit to the Chairman and requested a substantial welfare package for corps members.
The DG commended the government for the initiative, stating that it will not only provide relief to the corpers but also increase their morale to accomplish more for the country.
The statement reads: “The Federal Government has authorised a rise in corps members’ monthly allowance to N77,000, effective July 2024.”This is consistent with the implementation of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024. This was stated in a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, dated September 25, 2024, and signed by the Chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta”.
“Prior to this, the Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, conducted an advocacy visit to the Chairman and requested a substantial welfare package for corps members.
“The NYSC commander expresses gratitude to the Federal Government for the prompt action and hopes that it will not only provide much-needed support to the corps members but also raise their spirits and inspire them to pursue even greater goals in their service to the country.”
In Essence
The increment is in line with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024, which raised the minimum wage to N70,000.
Tying corps members’ allowances to the new minimum wage ensures fairness and consistency, reflecting the federal government’s commitment to improving living standards for its citizens. This will also help corps members who are recent graduates transition more smoothly into professional life and begin financial planning.
Increased stipends will likely boost the morale of corps members, encouraging them to approach their service year with greater enthusiasm and commitment.
Financial security can significantly influence their focus and productivity, which is especially important given their contributions to education, healthcare, and other sectors during their service.
