In a major setback for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members across the country, the government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has failed to pay the promised new N77,000 monthly allowance, despite multiple assurances from top government officials. This non-payment has left thousands of corps members frustrated and uncertain about their financial stability.
Earlier this year, the Nigerian government announced an increase in the NYSC monthly allowance, raising it from the previous amount to N77,000, in response to rising economic challenges and growing concerns over the financial well-being of young Nigerians serving the nation. The announcement was widely welcomed by both the corps members and the general public, as it promised to offer better financial support during their year-long service.
However, despite the assurances made by government officials, including the Minister of Youth and Sports Development and representatives from the NYSC management, the new allowance has yet to materialize. Corps members, who rely on this allowance to cover their living expenses during their service year, are now facing increasing hardship as they struggle to make ends meet.
"This is incredibly frustrating," said a corps member serving in Lagos who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "We were promised this new allowance, but now it's almost the end of the month, and there's still no sign of it. We were hoping this would help us manage our expenses better, but right now, we’re just left hanging."
The delay in payment has raised concerns among youth groups, civil society organizations, and even lawmakers, who are calling for immediate action from the government to fulfill its commitment to the NYSC members. Some have expressed their disappointment in the government's failure to prioritize the welfare of young Nigerians who contribute significantly to national development.
In response to the mounting concerns, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has yet to provide an official explanation for the delay. Meanwhile, calls for urgent intervention from President Tinubu's office have intensified, with many demanding that the new allowance be disbursed without further delay.