The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has cited funding challenges as the reason for the delay in implementing the increased monthly allowance for corps members.
Despite the Federal Government’s approval of the allowance hike from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000 in July 2024 and assurances that payments would begin in February 2025, corps members continue to receive the old stipend, sparking frustration amid Nigeria’s rising cost of living.
Carol Embu, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations at the NYSC, addressed the issue in an interview with Vanguard in Abuja on Wednesday.
She explained that the scheme is actively pursuing the cash backing for the allowance increase but emphasised that the process requires time and due diligence.
Embu also noted that the new NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, who recently assumed office, is still familiarising himself with the matter. She assured corps members that the NYSC is working diligently to resolve the issue but could not provide a specific timeline for when payments would commence.
She mentioned that the Minister overseeing the NYSC possesses additional information, but reassured the public that updates would be shared as soon as clarity is achieved.
She stated, “We are currently pursuing the cash backing; that is what is happening. We have a new Director-General who has just taken over and is still familiarising himself with the situation. Let’s see which direction things will take in the coming weeks. We ask for a little more time. However, I am confident that, as with many processes, this will require time as it is part of due diligence.
“I cannot specify exactly when the payments will commence, but I assure you that the NYSC is actively pursuing this issue. The minister also addressed this matter some time ago. It’s important to note that the minister possesses information that we may not have access to, as he oversees our operations. Rest assured, once we have clarity on when the payments will begin, I will inform you. We are still awaiting further updates.”
The scheme acknowledged that the delay has left many corps members struggling to cope with financial pressures, as the old stipend is widely considered insufficient to meet basic needs.
Nevertheless, key stakeholders continue to call for urgent action to address the funding challenges and ensure the timely implementation of the approved allowance increase, as corps members remain hopeful for a swift resolution to alleviate their financial burdens.
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