Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has assured corps members that the much-anticipated increase in their monthly allowance—from N33,000 to N77,000—will finally take effect in March 2025. However, many remain doubtful, questioning whether the Federal Government will truly deliver on its promise.
Speaking during an interactive session with corps members at the Wuse and Garki NYSC Zonal Offices in Abuja, Nafiu reiterated the government’s commitment to youth welfare. But with months of uncertainty following the initial announcement, skepticism has grown among corps members who fear another round of bureaucratic delays or political backtracking.
The proposed increase aligns with the new National Minimum Wage of N70,000, approved by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024. This follows a history of delayed wage adjustments, with the last increment in 2019 when corps members’ stipends were raised from N19,800 to N33,000 after the minimum wage was adjusted to N30,000.
A statement signed by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, claims that the approval was confirmed in a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, dated September 25, 2024. However, past experiences have left corps members questioning whether this is yet another political stunt or a genuine commitment.
With the rising cost of living and inflation eroding the value of wages, many young graduates are demanding more than just promises. Will the Tinubu-led administration follow through, or is this another case of unfulfilled government assurances? Only time will tell.
