KEY POINTS
- The NYSC has announced an increase in the monthly allowance for corps members to N77,000, with payments set to begin in March 2025.
- Director-General Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu reassured corps members of the Scheme’s commitment to their welfare and urged them to remain focused on national development.
- Corps members welcomed the announcement, calling it a significant step forward, while also advocating for further improvements in accommodation, healthcare, and security during their service year.
In a significant development for Nigerian youth, the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has announced that corps members will begin receiving an increased monthly allowance of N77,000 starting March 2025.
The announcement was made by the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, during an interactive session with corps members at the Wuse and Garki zonal offices in Abuja.
According to SaharaReporters, the NYSC DG reassured corps members of the Scheme’s commitment to their welfare, emphasizing that the timely payment of the allowance is a top priority.
“The NYSC is good at record-keeping, and I can assure you that your money will be paid. The Nation and the Scheme appreciate you,” he stated. The increase in allowance comes as part of efforts by the Nigerian government to improve the welfare of corps members, who play a vital role in national development.
The announcement has been met with widespread enthusiasm among corps members, many of whom have long advocated for better financial support during their one-year mandatory service.
The new allowance represents a significant increase from the previous amount and is expected to alleviate some of the financial challenges faced by corps members, particularly in light of Nigeria’s current economic realities.
During the interactive session, General Nafiu commended the dedication and selfless service of corps members, urging them to remain disciplined and focused on their assignments. “Your well-being remains a top priority for us. We urge you to remain calm, disciplined, and committed to the ideals of the NYSC,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of the NYSC as a platform for fostering national unity and exposing young graduates to the diverse cultures and traditions of Nigeria.
NYSC members express gratitude
In response to the announcement, Zaka Deborah Alheri, a corps member representing her colleagues at the Garki Zone, expressed gratitude to the NYSC management and the federal government for their commitment to improving the welfare of corps members.
“We are grateful for this increase and for the efforts made to ensure that our allowances are paid promptly. This will go a long way in motivating us to serve our nation with even greater dedication,” she said.
The NYSC, established in 1973, has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s efforts to promote national unity and integration. Each year, thousands of young graduates are deployed to various parts of the country to serve in different capacities, including education, healthcare, and community development.
The Scheme has also been instrumental in instilling values such as patriotism, discipline, and teamwork in young Nigerians.
While the increase in allowance has been widely welcomed, some corps members and stakeholders have called for further improvements in the Scheme’s operations. Challenges such as inadequate accommodation, poor healthcare facilities, and security concerns in some states remain pressing issues that need to be addressed. “The increase in allowance is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of corps members, especially in high-risk areas,” said a civil society advocate.
General Nafiu, however, reiterated the NYSC Management’s commitment to addressing these challenges and ensuring that corps members have a rewarding and impactful service year. “We are continuously working to improve the conditions under which corps members serve. Your safety and welfare are paramount to us,” he assured.
