Breaking: FG Approves ₦77,000 NYSC Allowance, Raises Questions About Arrears

The Federal Government has approved an increase in the monthly allowance for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to ₦77,000, effective from July 2024. 

This announcement comes as part of FG’s economic adjustments, particularly the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024, aimed at improving the welfare of federal workers.

However, the approval has left many Corps Members wondering if they will receive arrears for the months between July and the official announcement in September, as outlined in the letter from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. 

The letter, signed by the Commission’s Chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta, was issued on 25th September 2024, following discussions between NYSC Director-General Brigadier General YD Ahmed and the Commission on enhancing Corps Members’ welfare.

The NYSC leadership, represented by Brigadier General Ahmed, has appreciated the Federal Government’s decision, stating that the increase will provide much-needed financial relief and boost morale among Corps Members, many of whom have struggled under economic challenges. 

“The NYSC Boss is thankful to the Federal Government for the timely gesture and is optimistic that it will not only bring the much needed succour to the Corps Members, but also boost their morale and motivate them to do even more, in their service to the nation,” wrote Caroline Embu, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations at NYSC, in a message shared on X (formerly Twitter).

Prior to this adjustment, Corps Members received a monthly allowance of ₦33,000, which was introduced in 2019 after the federal minimum wage was raised from ₦18,000 to ₦30,000. At that time, the ₦33,000 NYSC allowance was a welcomed improvement but quickly became insufficient as inflation and living costs continued to rise.

The recent National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024 raised the minimum wage to ₦70,000, necessitating the increment for NYSC members to ₦77,000. This seeks to mitigate the impact of inflation and provide better financial support to workers across the country, including young graduates in national service. 

While the increment is a step in the right direction, the issue of arrears remains unresolved. Many Corps Members continued to receive the old ₦33,000 stipend in recent months, despite the policy change being effective from July. 

There is yet to be an official statement on whether arrears will be paid for the months leading up to the September confirmation. The NYSC is expected to clarify the situation.