The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that it will allocate a total of N307.6 billion to cater to the allowances of corps members, following the anticipated adjustment of the national minimum wage. This announcement comes as the Federal Government moves to implement a new wage structure, which will have a direct impact on the stipends of serving youth corps members.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, disclosed that the budgetary allocation is designed to ensure that corps members receive allowances that align with the new economic realities. He stated that the NYSC recognizes the critical role corps members play in national development and is committed to ensuring their welfare remains a priority.
Currently, corps members receive a monthly allowance of N33,000, which was increased from N19,800 in 2020. However, with inflation and the proposed upward review of the national minimum wage, the government is expected to increase corps members’ stipends to reflect the changes in salary structures across the public sector.
The NYSC has reassured corps members that once the new minimum wage is finalized, adjustments to their allowances will be implemented without delays. The agency also urged state governments and private organizations that employ corps members to adjust their remuneration accordingly.
The announcement has been met with mixed reactions, with some corps members expressing optimism about the increase, while others remain concerned about rising living costs. Analysts believe that while the new allocation is a step in the right direction, it is essential for the government to also focus on job creation and economic policies that support young graduates beyond the NYSC scheme.