Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), confirmed the new allowance. Starting March 2025, corps members will receive N77,000 monthly. Nafiu shared this update during an interactive session with corps members in Abuja.

Allowance Increase in Line with New Minimum Wage

The increase follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a new N70,000 minimum wage in July 2024. The NYSC had earlier proposed raising the allowance from N33,000 to N77,000. This adjustment is in accordance with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.

Approval of the New Allowance

According to the Ministry, the N77,000 allowance was officially approved in a letter dated September 25, 2024. The letter, signed by Mr. Ekpo Nta, Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, confirms the increase.

Assurance of Timely Payments

Nafiu assured corps members that the payment process would be smooth. He emphasized that NYSC is efficient in record-keeping. “Your money will be paid,” he confirmed. He also urged corps members to remain calm, focused, and disciplined.

Praising the NYSC’s Founding Vision

The Director General praised the vision of the NYSC’s founders. He noted that the scheme helps foster national unity by exposing corps members to various cultures. Nafiu reaffirmed that NYSC management would continue instilling values like leadership, teamwork, and patriotism.

Corps Members Express Gratitude

Zaka Deborah Alheri, a corps member from the Garki Zone, expressed her gratitude. She thanked the Director General for his commitment to the timely payment of their increased allowance.

Financial Impact of the New Allowance

The new N77,000 monthly allowance will cost the NYSC an estimated N307.6 billion annually. This significant expenditure highlights the government’s commitment to supporting the welfare of corps members.