The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has officially commenced the payment of long-overdue arrears to corps members. This move comes as a beacon of hope for thousands of young Nigerians who have served or are currently serving under the NYSC scheme, following months of anticipation and uncertainty. The announcement, corroborated by posts on X and recent statements from NYSC leadership, marks a pivotal moment in addressing the financial challenges faced by corps members amidst Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.
A New Era of Allowances
The payment of arrears is tied to the Federal Government’s approval of a new minimum wage, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024. This legislation paved the way for an upward review of the NYSC monthly allowance, increasing it from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000, effective from March 2025. The increment, a substantial 133% hike, was designed to reflect the economic realities of the time, including rising inflation and the increasing cost of living. For corps members, many of whom rely on these allowances to cover basic needs during their mandatory one-year service, this adjustment was a long-overdue recognition of their contributions to national development.
However, the implementation of the new allowance faced delays, leaving many corps members frustrated as they awaited both the increased payments and the arrears owed for the months since the policy’s announcement. The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, recently addressed these concerns, assuring corps members that the organization was working diligently to clear the backlog. True to his word, reports have emerged that payments have begun rolling out, with some corps members confirming receipt of the updated ₦77,000 allowance, alongside partial arrears for previous months.
The Financial Commitment
The Federal Government’s commitment to the NYSC scheme is underscored by its 2025 budget allocation of ₦430.7 billion, with ₦372.9 billion specifically earmarked for corps members’ allowances. This substantial funding reflects the government’s recognition of the NYSC as a cornerstone of youth engagement and national integration. The scheme, established in 1973, mandates a year of service for Nigerian graduates under the age of 30, deploying them across the country to contribute to community development, education, and public service. For many, the allowance is not just a stipend but a lifeline, supporting them in often unfamiliar environments far from home.
The increased allowance and the payment of arrears are expected to alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by corps members, particularly those posted to rural areas with limited access to additional income sources. The arrears, covering the difference between the old ₦33,000 allowance and the new ₦77,000 rate for the months since March 2025, represent a significant financial boost for corps members, many of whom have voiced their relief on social media platforms like X.
Challenges and Concerns
While the commencement of payments is a cause for celebration, it has not been without challenges. Some corps members have expressed concerns about the pace of the rollout, with reports indicating that not all members have received their full arrears. The NYSC has urged corps members to ensure their bank details are correctly updated with their respective banks to avoid payment delays, a common issue in large-scale disbursements. Additionally, there have been calls for greater transparency regarding the timeline for clearing all outstanding arrears, as some corps members who completed their service earlier in 2025 are still awaiting their payments.
Posts on X have captured the mixed sentiments among corps members. One user,
@YouthVanguardNG
, wrote, “Finally, NYSC is paying the ₦77,000 allowance and arrears! Kudos to the FG, but they need to speed up for those still waiting.” Another user,
@CorperTales
, highlighted the impact of the delays: “The money is coming, but it’s not enough to cover the months we struggled. NYSC should prioritize clearing all arrears before the next batch passes out.” These voices reflect both gratitude and the urgency for complete resolution.
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