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NYSC Members to Finally Receive Backlog of N77,000 Allowance

By Achimi Muktar

Months of frustration and uncertainty may finally be coming to an end for thousands of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members as the Federal Government has promised to pay the long-awaited backlog of their N77,000 monthly allowance.

Since the allowance was increased from N33,000 to N77,000 in September 2024, corps members have waited anxiously for implementation—only to face repeated delays. However, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has now reassured them that the money will be paid, though he admitted it "may not be immediate."

The statement, made during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, has sparked renewed hope among corps members—many of whom have struggled financially while waiting for their increased stipends to take effect.

Why the Delay? Government Finally Explains

For months, corps members have speculated about why the payments were being withheld, despite President Tinubu’s announcement last year. Minister Olawande finally addressed the issue, citing budgetary constraints as the main reason behind the delay.

“Some people say I always repeat, ‘It is a process,’ but it really is a process,” he explained. “Before any payment can be approved, there must be a budgetary allocation for it. The initial announcement was made before the necessary allocations were in place, which is why it has taken time.”

The good news? The minister confirmed that the budgetary process is now complete, and the payment has been fully approved.

Corps Members Eager for Implementation

The initial announcement of the N77,000 allowance increase had been met with excitement, as it aligned with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024. However, the months of delay have left many corps members feeling frustrated, especially those who completed their service before seeing a dime of the increase.

Olawande assured that even ex-corps members who were in service when the increase was announced will receive their backlog payments.

Meanwhile, the Director General of NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, had earlier hinted that the payments could be processed as early as March 2025, but no official date has been confirmed.

What Happens Next?

While the government’s promise is a step in the right direction, corps members are eagerly waiting for action, not just words. Many have taken to social media to express their frustration, calling for transparency and a clear payment timeline.

The question remains: Will the government finally fulfill its promise, or will corps members continue to wait? Only time will tell—but for now, hope is back on the table.