NYSC to Spend N307.6bn on Corps Members’ Allowances Amid Delay in Implementation

Federal Government Yet to Implement New N77,000 Stipend

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is projected to spend approximately N307.6 billion on the mobilisation and payment of allowances to corps members following the recent increase in their stipends. The increase, which raised the monthly allowance from N33,000 to N77,000, was announced in September 2024, following the signing of the new minimum wage bill into law in May 2024.

However, five months after the announcement, the Federal Government has yet to implement the new allowance, causing frustration among corps members nationwide.

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Breakdown of the NYSC Budget for 2025

According to official data, the NYSC mobilises between 1,200 and 1,500 corps members per orientation camp across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Mobilisation occurs in three batches annually—A, B, and C—with an average of 55,500 corps members per batch, bringing the total number of corps members mobilised in a year to 333,000.

With each corps member now entitled to N77,000 per month, the total expenditure per batch is estimated at N25.64 billion, and for a full year, it amounts to N307.6 billion.

In the 2025 budget proposal, presented by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly in December 2024, the NYSC was allocated N430.7 billion, the highest in the past five years. Out of this, N372.9 billion—representing 86.5% of the total allocation—was earmarked for corps members’ allowances.

Delay in Implementation of N77,000 Stipend

Despite the budgetary provisions, the Federal Government has yet to commence payments of the new stipend. The allowance increase was expected to take effect in February 2025, but corps members have continued receiving the previous N33,000 stipend, leading to growing concerns.

Addressing the issue, the NYSC acting Director of Press and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, explained that the delay was due to the government’s failure to provide the necessary cash backing.

“The cash backing is still being awaited,” Embu stated in a brief response to inquiries regarding the delay.

Meanwhile, in a WhatsApp message seen by a correspondent on Wednesday, the newly appointed NYSC Director-General, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, reportedly assured corps members that the payments would commence in March 2025.

Corps Members Express Frustration

Many corps members have expressed disappointment over the delay, as they had been anticipating the increased allowance to cope with the rising cost of living in Nigeria.

Some serving corps members who spoke to the media lamented the difficulties they face due to financial constraints.

“When the government announced the increase, we were excited. But now, months have passed, and we are still receiving the old allowance. Things are getting more expensive, and many of us rely on this stipend for survival,” a corps member in Lagos said.

Others questioned why the government had allocated funds for the new allowance in the 2025 budget but had yet to release the payments.

Economic Impact of NYSC Allowance Increase

The increase in NYSC stipends to N77,000 per month is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s economy. Experts believe that it could:

• Improve the financial well-being of corps members, helping them meet basic needs.
• Boost consumer spending, as corps members will have more disposable income.
• Increase inflationary pressures if the government fails to manage the increased expenditure effectively.

However, some analysts have raised concerns about the sustainability of the new stipend, considering the Federal Government’s fiscal challenges and ongoing revenue shortfalls.

Unanswered Questions and Future Expectations

As the March deadline approaches, corps members and stakeholders are eagerly waiting for the Federal Government to fulfill its promise. However, with no official statement confirming the exact date of disbursement, there are still uncertainties regarding when the new stipend will finally take effect.

Efforts to reach the NYSC spokesperson for further clarification have been unsuccessful, as calls and messages to her went unanswered.

For now, corps members across the country are left with uncertainty and frustration, hoping that the government will fulfill its commitment in the coming weeks.