Despite promises of an increase, the federal government has once again paid National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members a monthly allowance of N33,000 for February, dashing expectations of the N77,000 payment that was assured earlier this year.
Corps members had been anticipating a raise in their allowance following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a new national minimum wage of N70,000 in 2023.
However, the administration has yet to extend this adjustment to NYSC members, leaving them frustrated and financially strained amid rising living costs.
The disappointment comes despite an assurance by the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, who in January told corps members in Katsina State that they would start receiving N77,000 from February.
However, this pledge has not materialized, with corps members across the country still receiving the old stipend.
In reaction to the latest payment, many corps members took to social media to express their displeasure over the government’s failure to fulfill its promise.
“They’ve given us 33k again! I’m tired of this selfish government!” one corps member lamented.
Another wrote, “But why does the Nigerian government find it easy to inflict hardship on citizens? NYSC is causing us excruciating pains. I spend over 100k every month — 33k can’t even cover data bills or transportation. Is 77k really too much to pay?”
The uproar highlights the financial struggles of corps members, many of whom serve in remote locations with inadequate infrastructure, high transportation costs, and increased cost of living.
As of press time, neither the NYSC management nor the federal government has provided any official explanation for the delay in implementing the promised allowance increase.
The situation raises concerns about the administration’s commitment to youth welfare, especially at a time when inflation continues to erode the purchasing power of Nigerians.
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