NYSC Director General Explains Delay in ₦77,000 Allowance for Corps Members

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, has disclosed that the recent increase in the monthly allowance for corps members has not yet been put into effect due to funding challenges.

Following the Federal Government’s decision to raise the monthly allowance for corps members from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000, which is set to take effect in July 2024, the NYSC has urged corps members to accept their postings positively and refrain from seeking relocation.

This announcement came after the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission officially communicated the allowance increase in a letter dated September 25, 2024, signed by Chairman Mr. Ekpo Nta.

Despite this announcement, corps members received only ₦33,000 in their September allowance, leading to confusion and concerns among the youth service participants.

In a recent interview with the BBC Hausa service, Brigadier General Ahmed clarified that while the allowance increase has been approved, the government has not yet allocated the necessary funds for its implementation.

He reassured corps members that the NYSC is in active discussions with the relevant authorities to hasten the release of funds and ensure the new allowance is implemented promptly.

He stated, “The salary increase is not just for corps members; even our staff’s salaries were raised about four to five months ago, but implementation is still pending. We remain hopeful that the new pay will be rolled out soon, although the funds have yet to be released.

“The information we have does not indicate when the new allowance will be disbursed, but we were assured that their monthly allowance will be increased starting July 29, 2024.”