The Federal Government has approved a significant increase in the monthly allowance for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to N77,000, effective from July 2024. This decision aligns with the recent enactment of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.

The announcement was made in a statement by Caroline Embu, the acting Director of Information and Public Relations for the NYSC, who confirmed that the increase was outlined in a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission. The letter, dated September 25, 2024, was signed by the commission’s chairman, Ekpo Nta.

Before this development, corps members had been receiving a monthly allowance of N33,000. The substantial raise follows an advocacy visit by the Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Y.D. Ahmed, to the chairman of the National Salaries Commission. During the visit, Brigadier General Ahmed lobbied for an improved welfare package for NYSC members, emphasizing the importance of financial support for young graduates engaged in national service.

The NYSC leadership expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s timely intervention. In her statement, Embu noted that Brigadier General Ahmed is “thankful to the Federal Government for the timely gesture” and confident that this increase will provide “much-needed succour to corps members” while boosting their morale and motivating them in their service to the nation.

The increase is widely expected to improve the financial security of corps members across the country, making their year of national service more rewarding. The new allowance structure reflects the government’s broader commitment to improving the welfare of young Nigerians and ensuring that they are adequately compensated for their contributions to national development.