NYSC uncertain about ₦77,000 allowance payment

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has expressed uncertainty over the payment of the recently approved ₦77,000 monthly allowance for corps members, citing financial constraints as the primary reason for the delay.

Despite the Federal Government’s approval of the allowance increase from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000 in July 2024, with assurances that the new payments would commence in February 2025, corps members have continued to receive the old stipend. The delay has sparked widespread frustration, especially as Nigeria’s economic conditions worsen.

Addressing concerns in an interview with Vanguard on Wednesday, the NYSC’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Carol Embu, acknowledged the delay and attributed it to funding challenges. She assured that the scheme is actively working to secure the necessary financial backing for the new allowance but emphasized that the process requires time.

Embu noted that the newly appointed NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, is still settling into his role and familiarizing himself with the situation. She added that the Minister overseeing the NYSC had previously spoken about the issue and assured that updates would be provided once there is clarity.

“We are currently pursuing the cash backing; that is what is happening. We have a new Director-General who has just taken over and is still getting up to speed with the situation. Let’s see which direction things take in the coming weeks. We ask for a little more time. However, I am confident that, as with many processes, this will require time as it is part of due diligence,” Embu stated.

She further admitted that the delay has left corps members struggling to meet their financial needs, as the existing ₦33,000 stipend is widely considered inadequate. However, she refrained from giving a specific timeline for when the ₦77,000 payments would commence.

“I cannot specify exactly when the payments will start, but I assure you that the NYSC is actively working on this issue. The minister also addressed this matter some time ago. It’s important to note that the minister has access to information that we may not have, as he oversees our operations. Rest assured, once we have clarity on when the payments will begin, I will inform you. We are still awaiting further updates,” she added.

The uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the new allowance has raised concerns among corps members, who had been expecting financial relief following the government’s announcement.