Once again, the Nigerian government convinces NYSC members from ₦ 77,000 benefits after months of delay

After months of uncertainty, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were finally able to receive an increase in their long-awaited monthly allowances, because the Federal government had promised to pay the new ₦ 77,000 deposit.

The guarantee came on Monday from the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, during an interview at Channels Television Politics Today.

He asserted that serving corps members, as well as those who operate when the increase was announced in September 2024, would receive a suspended payment.

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“Backlog, we will do it and make sure it is paid. It might be indirect, but that will happen,” Olawande said.

In September 2024, the Federal Government announced an increase in NYSC allowances from ₦ 33,000 to ₦ 77,000, aligning it with the National Minimum Wage Law (Amendment) 2024. The news met with widespread excitement between members of the corps, but six months later, the new interest rate had not been implemented, although there was repeated government’s excitement.

Last week, Director General of NYSC Olakunle Nafiu urged corps members to expect the implementation of new allowances in March. Olawande strengthened this time line, insisting that the government was committed to fulfilling its promise.

Delay, the Minister explained, originating from budget constraints. “This is a government process. You cannot cut the system. When the President announces it, it is not in accordance with the budget. Before the salary can be paid, there must be a budget allocation. But now it has been made, approved, and signed. Now, payments can be started,” he convinced.

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