Nigerian Youth Corps Members Express Frustration Over Continued N33,000 Allowance Despite Promised N77,000 Increase

Nigerian Youth Corps members have voiced disappointment at the government’s ongoing payment of N33,000 monthly allowances, despite a pledged increase to N77,000 under the 2024 Minimum Wages Act.

The federal government had previously announced a raise in monthly stipends for NYSC members from N33,000 to N77,000, which was set to take effect in July 2024. However, reports indicate that the administration of President Bola Tinubu recently disbursed the September stipend at the former rate of N33,000. According to the NYSC, the timing for implementing the N77,000 increment remains uncertain.

Several corps members confirmed they received the old allowance for October as well, without further communication about when the increased amount might be paid. “They started paying us last Wednesday, and many of us had budgeted around the N77,000 they promised. It was disappointing to see only N33,000 in our accounts,” shared one member currently serving in Kogi State.

Other members in Oyo and Kwara states echoed these frustrations, noting that two cohorts have completed their service since the announcement without receiving the increased payments. The delayed implementation, they claim, disregards the challenges corps members face.

“This ongoing payment of N33,000 feels unfair, and there’s been no official explanation. It’s hard to stay motivated under these conditions,” said a corps member.