NYSC Initiates Payment of ₦77,000 Monthly Allowance to Corps Members: A Long-Awaited Promise Fulfilled

 

In a significant development for Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the federal government has begun disbursing the newly approved ₦77,000 monthly allowance to corps members nationwide, effective March 2025. Announced on March 26, 2025, this move marks the end of months of anticipation and delays, bringing relief and excitement to thousands of young graduates serving across the country. The increase, which raises the stipend from the previous ₦33,000, aligns with the recent national minimum wage adjustment and reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of NYSC participants amid Nigeria’s challenging economic climate.

A Promise Kept: The Journey to ₦77,000

The road to this pay hike began in July 2024, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act into law, raising the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000. Following this landmark decision, the NYSC allowance—historically tied to the minimum wage—was slated for an upward review. On September 25, 2024, the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission formally approved the increase to ₦77,000, a figure that includes the base minimum wage plus an additional 10% top-up traditionally granted to corps members. The adjustment was backdated to July 2024, promising arrears alongside the new payments.

Despite the approval, implementation faced repeated setbacks. Initial assurances from NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed pointed to February 2025 as the start date, contingent on the passage of the 2025 budget. However, when February arrived, corps members continued to receive the old ₦33,000 stipend, prompting frustration and calls for accountability from groups like the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). The delays were attributed to budgetary constraints and bureaucratic hurdles, with the NYSC citing the need for finalized funding allocations.

The turning point came in March 2025, when Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, the newly appointed NYSC Director-General, reaffirmed the commitment during an interaction with corps members at the Wuse and Garki Zonal Offices in Abuja on March 20. “With effect from March, you are going to receive the sum of Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira as your monthly allowance,” he declared, emphasizing the scheme’s meticulous record-keeping and assuring timely payments. True to his word, credit alerts began hitting corps members’ accounts by March 26, with many sharing their joy on social media platforms like X.

Corps Members Rejoice: A Boost Amid Economic Strain

The payment of ₦77,000 has been met with widespread celebration among corps members, who have struggled to cope with soaring inflation and rising living costs. Previously, the ₦33,000 allowance—equivalent to roughly $20 at current exchange rates—fell far short of covering basic needs like transportation, food, and accommodation, especially in urban centers. The new stipend, while still modest in the face of Nigeria’s 33% inflation rate, offers a substantial improvement, providing corps members with greater financial breathing room.

Posts on X captured the jubilant mood, with users noting that “joy finally come for Corpers” as screenshots of bank alerts circulated online. One corps member serving in Lagos told journalists, “I couldn’t believe it when I saw ₦77,000 in my account. It’s a huge relief after months of waiting.” The increase is particularly significant for those posted to remote areas, where additional state government allowances often supplement the federal stipend, though these vary widely in consistency and amount.

Addressing the Backlog: A Commitment to Fairness

Beyond the monthly payments, the federal government has pledged to clear the backlog of arrears owed since July 2024. Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande, in a March 24 interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, assured corps members that both current participants and those who served during the delay period would receive retroactive payments. “The budgetary allocation has been done now. It’s been signed, and they can start paying it,” he stated, addressing earlier criticisms over the slow rollout.

The 2025 budget reflects this commitment, allocating ₦430.7 billion to the NYSC, with ₦72.9 billion earmarked specifically for corps members’ allowances. This funding ensures that the ₦44,000 monthly increase—totaling an additional ₦528,000 over a 12-month service year—can be sustained, alongside settling the arrears for the eight months from July 2024 to February 2025. For corps members who completed their service before March, this retroactive payment represents a welcome windfall.

Broader Implications: Welfare and National Unity

The allowance hike underscores the NYSC’s evolving role in Nigeria. Established in 1973 under General Yakubu Gowon’s administration to foster reconciliation and unity post-civil war, the scheme remains a rite of passage for university graduates under 30. Beyond its cultural exchange mission, it serves as a critical economic lifeline for many young Nigerians, particularly in a job market where opportunities are scarce. The ₦77,000 stipend, while not a fortune, acknowledges this reality, offering a buffer as corps members transition to the workforce.

General Nafiu, in his March 20 address, highlighted the scheme’s broader value: “NYSC is a beautiful initiative that builds bridges and exposes graduates to cultural values beyond their places of birth.” He urged corps members to remain disciplined and dedicated, framing the allowance increase as a token of national appreciation for their service.

Challenges and Criticisms Linger

Despite the positive reception, the rollout has not been without hiccups. Some corps members reported delays in receiving the new amount as of March 27, suggesting logistical challenges in disbursing funds nationwide. Additionally, critics argue that ₦77,000—roughly $47 at current rates—remains inadequate given Nigeria’s economic pressures, with some advocating for job creation over incremental stipend hikes. “What corpers need are real opportunities, not a one-year payment that can’t build a career,” one X user remarked, echoing a sentiment that the NYSC’s relevance requires reevaluation.

Security concerns also persist, with occasional violence against corps members in volatile regions prompting calls for reform or even scrapping the program. Yet, the NYSC has adapted, with Nafiu noting that postings now prioritize safer locations, a policy shift aimed at protecting participants.

Looking Forward: A New Chapter for NYSC

As the ₦77,000 payments roll out, the NYSC enters a new phase, balancing its foundational ideals with contemporary demands. For corps members, the increase is a tangible victory, easing financial burdens and affirming their contributions. For the government, it’s a step toward fulfilling promises amid economic hardship, though the true test will be sustaining this commitment long-term.

With the backlog clearance underway and monthly payments now in effect, the focus shifts to ensuring consistency and addressing broader systemic issues. For now, Nigeria’s corps members can savor a hard-earned boost, their bank alerts a symbol of resilience in a challenging era.