Corps Members Express Frustration Over Delay in N77,000 Allowance Payment

Nigerian corps members have criticized the Federal Government for failing to implement the promised N77,000 monthly allowance, continuing to pay the previous N33,000 despite an official announcement in September 2024.

Nigerian corps members have voiced their dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s failure to implement the new monthly allowance of N77,000, announced in September 2024.

The corps members described the delay as a sign of the government’s disregard for their welfare despite their commitment to national service.

In September, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) announced an increase in the monthly allowance from N33,000 to N77,000, effective from July 2024. The announcement was supported by a directive in a letter dated September 24, signed by the Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, Mr. Ekpo Nta, and communicated through NYSC’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu.

However, corps members report that the government has continued to pay the old amount of N33,000.

“If they weren’t ready to pay the new amount, why announce it? They’re playing with our expectations. It’s frustrating,” lamented Laolu, a corps member in Kwara State.

Echoing similar frustrations, Damilola, serving in Kebbi State, said, “I’ve learned not to trust the government. If we see that N77,000 before I finish my service, I’ll be shocked.”

Idris, a corps member in Abuja, shared his struggle with the current stipend: “I got N33,000 yesterday. Serving in Abuja with that amount is unbearable. Transportation alone takes most of it. How are we expected to survive?”

READ ALSO: Breaking: Federal Govt Raises NYSC Monthly Allowance to N77,000

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, PUNCH