Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have voiced their disappointment after receiving the old monthly allowance of N33,000 instead of the recently announced increase to N77,000.
The federal government had previously confirmed the allowance hike, effective from July 2024, in line with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.
However, despite the announcement, corps members who received their September stipends on 2 October expressed confusion and dissatisfaction.
Some voiced concerns about being misled, with the expectation that the arrears would be paid by the end of October. An Osun-based corps member, Adebola Yusuf, said, “I am confused and disappointed, although I am hopeful the arrears will be paid by the end of October.”
Similarly, other members shared their frustrations, with some fearing mockery from family members who had warned them against relying on the government’s promises. The NYSC hierarchy has yet to clarify the reasons for the delay in implementing the new payment.
In addition to the disappointment expressed by NYSC members, The Nation reported that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission had confirmed the implementation of the allowance increase in September. However, it noted that discrepancies in payment timelines may occur due to administrative processes.
Corps members across various states echoed similar concerns, with many hoping the promised arrears would be settled soon. According to the reports, some corps members are worried about the inconsistency in government communication regarding the pay increase, which has left many in financial uncertainty.
In another report, the National Youth Service Corps’ acting director of public relations, Caroline Embu, reassured the public that the new allowance would take effect soon, blaming the delays on budgetary allocations yet to be processed for the NYSC.
