Nigerian Youth Corps Members Cry Foul Over Unfulfilled Promise of N77,000 Allowance

Nigerian Youth Corps Members Cry Foul Over Unfulfilled Promise of N77,000 Allowance 

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members are expressing frustration and disappointment over the government's failure to implement the recently approved increase in their monthly allowance from N33,000 to N77,000. Despite President Bola Tinubu's administration promising to effect the change in July 2024, as part of the 2024 Minimum Wages Act, corps members are still receiving the old allowance.

Many corps members, like Sylvester Peter and Jimoh Ayuba, have voiced their disappointment, citing financial difficulties due to the meager allowance. Peter, who previously worked at a bakery, struggles to afford basic necessities such as food, transportation, and mobile phone subscriptions. Ayuba, who depends solely on the government remit, faces similar challenges, exacerbated by the high cost of living in his community of primary assignment.

The NYSC had announced the approval of the increased allowance in September, citing a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission dated September 25, 2024. However, when October payments were made, corps members were shocked to find that they had received only N33,000, with no explanation for the delay.

The delay has affected not only current corps members but also those who have completed their service. At least two sets of corps members have passed out since the announcement of the increment without receiving their entitlements. Corps members and staff await the implementation of the new wage, hoping for a better quality of life during their service.

According to the Director General of the NYSC, Yushau Ahmed, the failure to implement the new allowance was due to the government's failure to release funds . The NYSC members' monthly allowance was increased from N19,800 to N33,000 in January 2020, and the recent approval aimed to align with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024 

The economic downturn in Nigeria has made it challenging for corps members to survive on the current allowance. With inflation rates higher than the average for African and Sub-Saharan countries, the purchasing power of the most vulnerable households is eroded . The corps members' plight highlights the need for timely implementation of the approved allowance to alleviate their financial struggles.

As the corps members continue to face financial difficulties, they hope that the government will fulfill its promise and implement the new allowance soon. The NYSC scheme aims to promote national unity and development, but the financial struggles of its members undermine this objective.