Emmanuel OchayiCorps Members Disappointed as FG Pays Old ₦33,000 Allowance
The Federal Government has surprised many by paying the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members their old monthly allowance of N33,000 for September, despite earlier announcement that the allowance has been increased to N77,000. This delay has left many corps members frustrated, as they had been eagerly anticipating the increased payment following a recent adjustment to the national minimum wage.
In July 2024, the government officially confirmed that the NYSC monthly stipend would be increased to ₦77,000, following the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024. This increase was announced as part of efforts to align the corps members’ pay with the newly adjusted minimum wage, which was raised to ₦70,000.
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NYSC Director General Brigadier General YD Ahmed had previously expressed appreciation for the government’s decision to raise the monthly stipend. He noted that this change would provide much-needed financial relief to corps members and serve as a motivational boost during their service year.
Speaking on the matter, Brigadier General Ahmed said, “This increase in allowance is a significant step towards supporting our corps members. It shows the government’s commitment to their well-being.”
However, the delay in implementing the promised allowance increase has caused frustration, with many corps members who were expecting ₦77,000 now receiving the old ₦33,000 payment instead.
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Corps Members React to Delayed Allowance
The delayed payment has not only caused disappointment but also sparked concern among corps members. Many had factored the increased amount into their budgets, expecting that the payment would begin in September.
One corps member, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed his frustration: “I was really looking forward to receiving the ₦77,000 this month, but instead, we got the old amount. It’s disappointing.”
Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly known as Twitter), have been flooded with comments from corps members and other Nigerians expressing their displeasure with the government’s inaction. Hashtags like #NYSCallowance and #FGpromise have been trending, with many criticising the government for failing to keep its promise.
“I’m yet to receive my allowance, but everyone around me who has received theirs got just ₦33,000,” another corps member shared. “It’s frustrating because we were expecting the full amount.”
Government’s Previous Announcement on Allowance Increase
In a previous statement, Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, had confirmed that the Federal Government approved increase in the NYSC allowance to ₦77,000, effective from July 2024. The statement read, “The Federal Government has approved the increase of corps members’ monthly allowance to seventy-seven thousand naira (₦77,000), with effect from July 2024, by the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.”
This statement had initially raised hopes among corps members and their families that financial relief was finally on the way. The announcement followed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a new national minimum wage of ₦70,000, leading many to believe that the NYSC stipend would align with this change.
Widespread Frustration Over Payment Delay
As the government delays the full implementation of the new allowance, the frustration is palpable. Corps members and the public alike are calling on the government to swiftly implement the promised increase. The unexpected delay has led to disappointment, particularly at a time when many Nigerians are facing economic hardship.
With the old ₦33,000 allowance barely covering basic expenses, corps members are urging the government to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
“We’ve waited long enough,” another corps member said. “It’s time for the government to fulfil its promise and pay us what we were told we would receive.”
The Federal Government has yet to issue an official explanation for the delay, leaving corps members anxious about when the full ₦77,000 allowance will finally be paid.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
