NYSC: FG approves increase in corp members’ allowance, but they are still getting N33,000

Corps members are expressing frustration over the non-payment of the N77,000 allowance approved by the federal government three months ago. Despite the approval, they continue to receive the old minimum wage of N33,000.

In 2020, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) increased corps members’ allowances from N19,800 to N33,000, just a month after the new minimum wage was signed into law.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the minimum wage bill into law in July 2024 to help workers cope with the high cost of living, driven by the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating exchange rate of the naira.

While speaking with this reporter, Olatunbosun Usman from Oyo State and currently serving in Cross River State, shared that he had to travel a long distance from Oyo State to his place of service, incurring exorbitant transport costs.

“I spent no less than N40,000 on transport, which is more than the monthly allowance, to reach Cross River State,” he explained. “When I traveled to camp, I boarded a bus from Samonda, Ibadan, to Obubra, Cross River State, at a rate of N35,000. After camp, traveling from Obubra to my PPA cost me roughly N10,000.”

Usmanfurther expressed frustration over the insufficiency of the current allowance in addressing the rising cost of living brought about by economic reforms.

“Personally, I am still receiving the outdated allowance of N33,000, which is woefully inadequate to meet my financial obligations. The disparity between the approved and actual allowance is a source of concern for many corps members, including myself,” he stated.

“In light of the increased cost of living and our growing expenses, the current allowance is far from satisfactory. It is challenging to make ends meet, and many of us are forced to rely on other sources of income or support from family and friends.” he emphasized

He expressed hope that the relevant authorities would expedite the implementation of the new allowance to ensure corps members receive the approved N77,000. “This would greatly alleviate our financial burdens and enable us to focus on our national service without undue stress,” he recounted.

However, the NYSC released a statement confirming the approval of the N77,000 allowance, stating, “It is true.”

“The NYSC boss expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the timely gesture, stating that it will not only provide much-needed relief to corps members but also boost their morale and motivate them to contribute even more to their service to the nation,” the statement read.

Echoing Usman’s assertion regarding the stipend paid since the approval of N77,000, Jubril Ahmed, a corp member currently serving in Abuja, confirmed that the payment for the past three consecutive months was made based on the old minimum wage of N33,000.

In an interview with this reporter, he clarified that the amount is insufficient to cover daily expenses, not just for the month.

“I’m not depending on the allawee at all. Considering my daily expenses, my allawee will be exhausted within 11 days. This means the allawee can’t meet my daily needs,” he explained.

Jubril further states that if not for the additional remuneration he receives at his place of service, things would have become more of a burden for him, as the old minimum wage is inadequate given the current economic situation, which is increasingly affecting the masses.

Adisa Abeeb, another corp member, shared his frustrations with this reporter. He expressed displeasure over the challenges faced by corps members receiving the old minimum wage of N33,000 and mentioned how some corps members often borrow money from their colleagues before the end of the month.

“The allowance cannot cover one’s transport expenses for the month, let alone foodstuffs. N33,000 is not enough with the way prices are skyrocketing every day. I’ve seen fellow corps members borrowing to meet their needs,” he lamented.

He went on to explain that some corps members have other side jobs for income, but due to their postings, these opportunities were halted. “Borrowing from a fellow corp member doesn’t mean the other person has managed their N33,000 judiciously. Some have other things they are doing, while others don’t. But due to their posting, they couldn’t continue with their businesses.”

“The welfare of corps members should be the federal government’s top priority, and the signed minimum wage of N77,000 should be implemented because life is unbearable for corps members. Some PPA do not provide accommodation, forcing corps members to rent apartments. Everything is budgeted on the allowance, which barely covers anything at all,” he pleaded.

NYSC’s Reaction

The state coordinator of Osun State, Mr. Agbor Ndoma, stated in a phone conversation with this reporter said, “The approved N77,000 for corps members has not been implemented by the federal government. No official from the federal government has received the minimum wage. Therefore, the state government is not responsible for its implementation. Once the federal government implements it, everyone will receive the N77,000.”