Our reporter
The Federal Government has sparked frustration and disappointment among National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members after paying the old monthly allowance of ₦33,000 for September, despite the recent approval of a ₦77,000 stipend increase.
Earlier this year, the Federal Government announced an increase in corps members’ allowances from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000, following the signing of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024. The increment was expected to take effect starting from July 2024.
This news was widely celebrated, with NYSC Director General, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, hailing the decision as a significant relief that would help motivate and financially support the country’s youth corps.
However, many corps members were left disillusioned after receiving their September allowances, which were still stuck at ₦33,000. According to reports, some corps members have not yet been paid, while those who have been credited are complaining of receiving the old amount.
“They haven’t paid me yet, but those around me who received theirs got ₦33,000 instead of the promised ₦77,000,” one corps member expressed, echoing the widespread disappointment felt by many others.
The delay has led to growing frustration, especially on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where corps members and other Nigerians have expressed their dissatisfaction.
Many expected the increased allowance to reflect the government’s recent announcement of a ₦70,000 minimum wage, fueling anticipation for the higher NYSC stipend.
In response to the situation, many are questioning the government’s commitment to the promises it made to its youth corps, especially given the financial challenges many face as they navigate their mandatory service year.
A previous statement from the NYSC’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, had officially confirmed that the monthly allowance for corps members would be increased to ₦77,000 from July 2024, in line with the new national minimum wage law.
The statement read: “The Federal Government has approved the increase of corps members’ monthly allowance to seventy-seven thousand naira (₦77,000), with effect from July 2024, in accordance with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.”
This delay in implementing the new allowance, despite repeated assurances, has led to anger and calls for immediate action.
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