Corps Members Express Frustration Over Delayed N70,000 Allowance As NYSC Calls For Patience
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged corps members to exercise patience as the Federal Government works towards fulfilling its promise to increase their monthly allowance to N70,000. This appeal comes in response to growing frustration among corps members, many of whom expressed disappointment after receiving their usual N33,000 allowance in September instead of the anticipated increase.
The Federal Government, in September 2024, had announced an increment in the NYSC allowance from N33,000 to N70,000, aligning with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024. This adjustment was confirmed through a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, signed by its Chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta, on 25th September 2024. The new allowance was to take effect from July 2024, with arrears expected to cover the months since the official approval.
However, many corps members were left disappointed when their September allowance showed no reflection of the promised increase. Speaking on their frustrations, some highlighted the hardship caused by the delayed payment. Habibah Oyedeji, one of the affected corps members, described the emotional toll it had on her: “I was overjoyed when I heard the government was providing N70,000 to alleviate the country’s financial instability. However, my excitement was short-lived when I discovered they were instead offering N33,000. I felt betrayed, cried all night, and was consumed by anger and disappointment. This development made me question our value as Nigerians.”
Others, like Zainab Saka, expressed a sense of resignation, noting that she had anticipated such delays. “Upon seeing the N33,000 credit alert, I had a sense of validation and assurance, reaffirming my initial belief that this government was heavily influenced by propaganda,” she remarked. Favour Sunday, another corps member, shared a similar sentiment, adding, “I wasn’t actually surprised. This is Nigeria. I didn’t plan my life using government predictions. I planned my life according to my pocket.”
For many, the financial uncertainty has been particularly stressful given the rising cost of living in the country. Mary Taiwo, serving in Ogun State, expressed her frustration, stating, “It’s heartbreaking, but I can’t kill myself. They might start paying from next month. Who knows?”
Opele Mariam echoed the sentiments of many disillusioned corps members: “I’m honestly disappointed in the Nigerian government. Why did Mr. President mention it when he knew he wouldn’t fulfill it? With the situation in Nigeria now, N33,000 is not enough to do anything. It’s very disheartening that the promise made was not fulfilled.”
In response to the growing concerns, the NYSC’s Director of Communication, Carol Embu, reassured corps members that the government is working on the payment and urged them to be patient. She clarified that the NYSC does not control the payment of corps members’ allowances, stating, “The scheme does not pay corps members. It’s the Federal Government. And I can’t say for sure when the payment will commence. It’s the decision of the government, not NYSC.”
Embu also explained that the arrears would cover the period starting from 29th July, as this was when the new allowance officially took effect. She emphasized that payment delays should not be seen as a failure of the system but as part of the processes involved in government disbursement. “One cannot expect the payment to start in October because government machinery doesn’t work like that,” she added.
For now, corps members are left waiting, with hopes that the government will soon resolve the issue and provide the much-needed financial relief in the coming months. Many remain cautiously optimistic that the promised N70,000 will be disbursed soon, while others continue to grapple with the uncertainty and the economic realities they face.
