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The Federal Government announced a new allowance for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in September 2024, aligning with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.
Despite initial setbacks, NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu confirmed that the increased allowances would commence in March 2025.
A visit to the Kwara NYSC secretariat in Ilorin revealed a bustling atmosphere, with corps members completing their final clearance and socializing with peers.
Tomi, a corps member who was completing her one-year service, expressed her delight at being among the beneficiaries of the ₦77,000 monthly allowance.
“I was excited when others started getting credit alerts of the ₦77,000 – though at first, I didn’t believe it.
“However, it’s a mixed feeling for me as a passing-out corps member that this is the last monthly allowance I will be receiving.”
Unlike Tomi, other corps members like Adejuwon Adeagbo, who will enjoy this increased allowance for the remainder of his service, shared his excitement.
“I see this as a new development and motivating factor for us to keep serving our fatherland.
“Before now, the allowance wasn’t motivating at all.”
For Corps Member Dorcas Adidi, the increase is a dream come true, considering the gap between announcement and implementation periods.
She plans to use the money to meet her needs and save the rest.
Financial expert Mrs. Nelly Iyamore advised the youth to utilize the increase wisely by saving and starting small-scale businesses.
“As a corps member, you were receiving a monthly allowance of ₦33,000 and could manage to meet your needs; it means you can also manage to live with ₦77,000.
“The wisest thing to do is to save some and start a small business you can manage after your service year, rather than choosing to spend all.
However, other people feel that the new allowance for the youths is not enough to meet their needs, giving the present economic situation that has affected people across social classes.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has promised to pay the backlog of the ₦77,000 monthly allowance for NYSC members, leaving them eagerly awaiting the payment.
By Sola Rotimi
