The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has attributed delays in rolling out the increased monthly allowance for corps members to financial constraints.
Although the Federal Government approved raising the stipend from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000 in July 2024, with payments expected to start in February 2025, corps members are still receiving the previous amount.
This has caused growing discontent, particularly as Nigeria grapples with escalating living costs.
In an interview with Vanguard in Abuja on Wednesday, Carol Embu, the NYSC’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, shed light on the situation.
She explained that the organization is working to secure the necessary funds for the allowance adjustment, stressing that the process demands patience and thorough oversight.
Embu added that Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, the newly appointed NYSC Director-General, is still getting up to speed on the issue following his recent assumption of office.
She emphasized the NYSC’s commitment to resolving the matter but refrained from offering a concrete timeline for when the new payments would begin.
She also pointed out that the minister overseeing the NYSC holds further details on the situation.
Embu promised that updates would be communicated to the public as soon as more information becomes available.
“We’re actively seeking the funds needed to implement this change,” she said.
“Our new Director-General has just taken the helm and is still acquainting himself with the circumstances. We’re asking for a little more time to see how things unfold in the coming weeks. These processes naturally take time due to the need for careful handling.
“I can’t pinpoint an exact start date for the payments, but rest assured, the NYSC is fully engaged on this front. The minister has spoken on this previously and likely has insights we don’t. As soon as we have a clear picture of when the payments will roll out, I’ll make it known. We’re still waiting for additional guidance.”
The NYSC acknowledged that the ongoing delay has placed corps members under significant financial strain, with the current stipend widely regarded as inadequate for meeting basic expenses.
Meanwhile, stakeholders are pressing for swift action to overcome the funding hurdles and ensure the approved allowance hike is implemented without further delay.
Corps members, eager for relief from their economic challenges, remain optimistic for a quick resolution.
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