The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced a significant increase in the monthly allowance of corps members, with payments set to rise from N33,000 to N77,000 beginning in February 2025. This development has sparked widespread reactions, with many describing it as a major financial relief amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, the Director-General of NYSC, made the disclosure on Thursday while addressing the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II corps members in Katsina. He confirmed that the increase had been captured in the 2025 Federal Government budget and would take effect immediately after its passage.
“This month (January) has already ended, but once the budget is passed, by next month (February), you will start receiving N77,000 instead of the usual N33,000,” Ahmed assured the corps members.
A Long-Awaited Boost for Corps Members
The announcement comes at a time when many corps members have been struggling with the rising cost of living, with inflation pushing up the prices of food, transportation, and accommodation across the country. For years, there had been calls for a review of the NYSC allowance, with many arguing that the existing stipend was insufficient to meet basic needs.
The last increase in corps members’ allowance came in 2020, when the Federal Government raised it from N19,800 to N33,000 following the implementation of the new minimum wage. The latest adjustment to N77,000 is seen as an effort to align the allowance with current economic realities.
Government’s Commitment to Youth Welfare
General Ahmed reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of corps members, emphasizing that the pay increase was part of a broader plan to support young Nigerians participating in the national service scheme.
“We understand the sacrifices corps members make while serving the nation. This increase is a way of ensuring that they are adequately supported,” he stated.
The NYSC boss also reassured corps members about their security, stating that no one would be posted to areas with serious security threats.
“We will not send our corps members to wherever we have challenges of security threats. Wherever we send them, they should be assured that the place is safe and secured for them to serve,” he said.
Mixed Reactions from Corps Members and the Public
The announcement has been met with excitement and skepticism. While many corps members have expressed joy at the development, some Nigerians have questioned the sustainability of the allowance increase given the country’s economic constraints.
Chisom Okonkwo, a serving corps member in Lagos, said the news was a welcome relief.
“This is the best news I’ve heard since I started my service. Many of us struggle to survive on N33,000, especially in cities where rent and transportation costs are high. This new allowance will really help,” she said.
However, some analysts have raised concerns about how the government intends to fund the new allowance, considering Nigeria’s fiscal challenges. An analyst, Ishola Aluko, noted that while the increase is commendable, the government must ensure it does not put additional strain on the nation’s finances.
“The question is, where will the extra funds come from? Is this increase backed by sustainable revenue sources, or will it lead to further borrowing? The government needs to be transparent about how it intends to finance this,” he argued.
Implications for the NYSC Scheme
The decision to raise corps members’ pay could have several implications for the NYSC program. First, it may lead to a renewed interest in the scheme, as many young graduates who previously saw it as a financial burden might now view it as a more attractive opportunity.
“This increase might encourage more graduates to embrace NYSC rather than seek ways to bypass it. Some people currently see it as a waste of time, but with this new allowance, that perception may change,” said Ibrahim Musa, a student awaiting mobilization.
There are also speculations that the increase could reduce youth unemployment pressures, as more young Nigerians may consider serving for the full year instead of immediately seeking jobs.
A Step Towards Improved Youth Empowerment?
Some have linked the allowance increase to a broader attempt by the Tinubu administration to address youth-related challenges in the country. Since taking office, President Bola Tinubu has introduced several policies aimed at improving economic conditions, including student loan schemes and youth employment programs.
