The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has announced that starting from March 2025, all corps members will receive an increased monthly allowance of N77,000. This new payment structure, which is a significant increase from the previous allowance, reflects the government’s continued commitment to improving the welfare of youth serving the nation under the NYSC scheme.
Brigadier General Nafiu made the announcement on Thursday during an interaction with corps members at the Wuse and Garki NYSC Zonal Offices in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He emphasized that the welfare of corps members remains a priority for both the NYSC and the federal government, ensuring that their well-being is well taken care of throughout their service year.
Speaking at the event, General Nafiu expressed his appreciation to the corps members for their dedication to the country. He praised their selfless service, which he said is critical to nation-building. “Your service to the nation is invaluable, and the federal government recognizes your contributions. We are committed to ensuring that you are supported during your time of service,” he said.
The new monthly allowance of N77,000 will take effect from March 2025, and General Nafiu reassured corps members that the payment system is well-organized and efficient. He stated that the NYSC has a good track record in managing records and payments, ensuring that every corps member will receive their allowance promptly and without issues. “We are good at keeping records, and I can assure you that your money will be paid without any delays,” he said.
The NYSC Director-General also took the opportunity to highlight the core values of the scheme, which include patriotism, discipline, self-restraint, leadership, and teamwork. He urged corps members to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to their service to the nation. He further stated that the NYSC’s mission is to expose Nigerian youth to various cultural experiences, helping them understand the diverse backgrounds and values of people from different parts of the country. “The NYSC is a beautiful scheme that builds bridges between different ethnic and cultural groups in Nigeria. It helps you learn, understand, and appreciate the diverse cultures of the country,” he added.
General Nafiu also acknowledged the efforts of the founding fathers of the NYSC Scheme, who envisioned a program that would foster national unity and promote the integration of Nigerian youth into the country’s social and economic activities. He encouraged all Nigerians to support the NYSC in fulfilling its mandate.
In response to the announcement, a serving corps member at the Garki Zone, Zaka Deborah Alheri, expressed her gratitude for the increase in allowance, thanking the NYSC Director-General for his efforts in improving their conditions. “On behalf of my colleagues, I want to express our deep appreciation to you for ensuring that we receive this much-needed increase in our allowance. It will go a long way in supporting us as we continue to serve our country,” she said.
The NYSC allowance, which is provided monthly to corps members during their one-year mandatory national service, has always been a topic of discussion among youth in the country. The increase in allowance reflects the government’s recognition of the financial challenges faced by many corps members, especially considering the rising cost of living in urban and rural areas across Nigeria.
The decision to raise the allowance to N77,000 is seen as part of a broader effort by the Nigerian government to improve the standard of living for young Nigerians and motivate them to serve the nation with even greater dedication and commitment. It is also an attempt to make the NYSC program more attractive to potential graduates who might otherwise be deterred by financial constraints.
The announcement of the new allowance has been met with widespread approval from both current and former corps members. Many have taken to social media to express their appreciation for the government’s decision, highlighting how it will ease the financial burdens they face during their service year.
The NYSC Scheme, established in 1973, was designed to promote national unity, foster understanding among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and cultural groups, and provide graduates with the opportunity to contribute to the development of the nation. Over the years, the NYSC has become an essential part of Nigeria’s national development framework, providing young Nigerians with the skills, experiences, and opportunities needed to succeed in their careers and contribute meaningfully to society.
As the scheme continues to evolve, General Nafiu’s leadership is expected to play a key role in enhancing the welfare of corps members and ensuring the program’s continued success in achieving its goals.
The increased monthly allowance is a testament to the federal government’s recognition of the importance of investing in the future of the nation’s youth and ensuring that they are adequately supported as they serve their country.
With the increase in allowance, many corps members are hopeful that the NYSC will continue to prioritize their welfare and make their service year a rewarding and impactful experience. The NYSC leadership has shown that it is committed to upholding the values of the program and ensuring that corps members receive the support they deserve.
