There has been widespread jubilation as National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have officially started receiving their new monthly allowance of N77,000.
The long-awaited increase in the stipend, which was first announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has sparked relief and excitement among corps members nationwide.
The new allowance was initially set to take effect in July 2024, with an official pledge by the Nigerian government to raise the monthly stipend from the previous N33,000 to N77,000.
It was introduced as part of the government’s efforts to address rising living costs, alleviate the financial burdens of corps members, and acknowledge their contributions to national development.
However, the announcement was met with disappointment after delays in its implementation.
For nearly six months following the September 2024 announcement, corps members continued to receive the old N33,000 allowance, which had been set under former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2020.
The delay in the increase led to frustration and disillusionment among the corps members, many of whom had been eagerly anticipating the promised adjustment.
In early 2025, despite assurances from the government, corps members were still receiving the previous amount, with the new N77,000 stipend not yet in their accounts.
This failure to deliver on the promise left many young Nigerians, who were already struggling with rising inflation and a tough economic climate, feeling let down by the government.
LEADERSHIP report that the tide began to turn when the government made a formal commitment to clear the backlog of the N77,000 allowance few days ago.
This assurance from the government was followed by a wave of positive news yesterday, as corps members across the country started confirming that they had begun receiving the much-awaited increase.
A corps member serving in Abuja, Mrs. Hauwa Collins, confirmed to LEADERSHIP that some of her friends in other states had received their N77,000 allowances.
“Yes, my friend in Kwara has received hers. I’m expecting mine too. If the government continues to keep its promises, I believe the youth will have confidence in them, and the country will move forward,” she said.
The development has also ignited a flurry of reactions on social media, with many users expressing their excitement and gratitude.
One Twitter user, @ToluDaniel10, praised the government’s decision, writing, “NYSC is finally paying 77k to corps members. If you have this girl’s DM, go say a big thank you. I bet the government wouldn’t have listened to you if not for her.”
Meanwhile, @fimlex2 tweeted, “NYSC don pay corpers 77k now, see as everywhere just quiet,” highlighting the relative silence compared to when the scheme initially failed to meet expectations.
Before the implementation of this increase, many corps members had expressed concerns about the adequacy of the old stipend, which often did not cover basic living expenses.
The adjustment to N77,000 is expected to alleviate some of these concerns, allowing corps members to better manage their finances and contribute more effectively to the communities in which they are posted.
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