Key Points

• The Federal Government begins disbursing ₦77,000 monthly allowance to NYSC members after delays.

• Corps members express concerns over the sufficiency of ₦77,000 in today’s economy.

• Some members call for continued pressure to secure further increases.

The Federal Government has started disbursing the newly approved ₦77,000 monthly allowance to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members after months of delays.

The raise, which was approved in September 2024, has been received with mixed reactions from corps members, some of whom say the amount is still not enough given the rising cost of living.

Corps members receive payment in phases

Corps members across various states have confirmed receiving the increased allowance, although reports indicate that payments are being made in phases, leaving some still waiting for their disbursements.

NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, reassured the corps members that all payments would be completed.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, also addressed the disbursement process on Channels Television’s Politics Today, confirming that payments had commenced.

Corps members in Kwara, Kano, and Yobe states have reported receiving their ₦77,000 allowances, with 2024 Batch A Stream 2 members being prioritized in the first phase.

Corps members acknowledge raise but remain concerned

While many corps members acknowledge the raise as a long-overdue change, some have voiced concerns that ₦77,000 is insufficient, especially with the rising cost of living in Nigeria.

Adepoju, a corps member in Kwara, confirmed receiving the ₦77,000 and added, “Yes, the increase is long overdue, but ₦77,000 is still not enough considering how expensive everything has become.”

Nkiruka, who is serving in Kano, also confirmed the payment, saying, “It’s been a long time coming, but even with the ₦77,000, it’s still not enough for what we need, especially in the current economy.”

Esther Eric responded with humor and gratitude, joking, “DG for president! Thank you, Sir. We are grateful. ₦77k well received. Make I go price land.”

However, Stella Abiodun expressed concern, saying, “Yes, we’ve received ₦77k, but honestly, this doesn’t even cover basic expenses with the way prices are soaring. While it’s a step forward, we need more.”

Pressure works, but will it continue?

Despite the increased allowance, some corps members are pushing for more. Stella Abiodun added, “This shows that they are listening, but we cannot stop here.

If we can push for ₦77,000, we can demand even more. The question is, will we keep the pressure on, or will we go back to silence?”

The progress marks a significant step, but many corps members are still waiting for their payment.

As more receive the allowance, the debate continues on whether the increase is truly enough to address the challenges faced by corps members across the country.