The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is projected to spend approximately N307.6 billion on the mobilisation and allowances of corps members following the increase in their stipends from N33,000 to N77,000, as per a statement released by the scheme in September 2024.
The pay raise followed the enactment of the new minimum wage bill in May 2024, which was aimed at improving the financial well-being of Nigerian workers, including corps members. However, despite this announcement and the subsequent budgetary allocations, the Federal Government is yet to commence the payment of the new allowance, leaving many corps members uncertain about when they will receive the increased stipends.
On average, the NYSC mobilises between 1,200 and 1,500 corps members per orientation camp across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This means that in each batch of corps members mobilised, thousands of young graduates are sent to various states to serve the nation for one year.
Mobilisation takes place in three batches annually—A, B, and C—bringing the total number of corps members mobilised yearly to around 333,000. With this large number of participants, the financial implications of the increased allowance are substantial.
With the new N77,000 monthly allowance, the government is expected to pay about N25.64 billion per batch. This translates to an estimated annual expenditure of N307.6 billion on corps members’ stipends alone. Given the size of this financial commitment, timely disbursement is crucial to maintaining the morale and welfare of corps members nationwide.
In the 2025 budget proposal presented by President Bola Tinubu in December 2024, a total of N430.7 billion was allocated to the NYSC, marking the highest budgetary allocation to the scheme in the past five years. Out of this total allocation, N372.9 billion—representing approximately 86.5%—was specifically earmarked for corps members’ allowances, reflecting the government’s intent to honor the new minimum wage policy.
However, despite the budgetary provision and public assurances from government officials, corps members have yet to receive the promised N77,000 monthly stipend. Many corps members have expressed frustration over the delay, as they continue to receive the old N33,000 allowance, which does not reflect the current economic realities of inflation and rising living costs.
Responding to inquiries regarding the delay, NYSC’s acting Director of Press and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, attributed the situation to the lack of necessary cash backing from the government. She explained that while the increase had been approved on paper, the funds required for its implementation had not yet been disbursed.
“The cash backing is still being awaited,” she stated in a brief response, indicating that the scheme is dependent on the release of funds before it can commence the payment of the new allowance.
Meanwhile, in a WhatsApp message reportedly sent on Wednesday, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, the newly appointed Director-General of the NYSC, sought to reassure corps members, stating that payments would commence in March. His message was intended to calm growing concerns and restore confidence among corps members, many of whom have been eagerly anticipating the payment of their increased stipends.
Efforts to obtain further clarification from the NYSC spokesperson proved futile, as calls and messages to her remained unanswered. This has left many corps members and stakeholders awaiting further updates on when the disbursement will officially begin.