Abuja, Nigeria – September 4, 2025: In a wave of relief and celebration, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has resumed disbursing arrears of the newly approved N77,000 monthly allowance to former corps members after a two-month lapse. The latest payments, issued on September 3, mark the first since the previous installment on June 3, 2025.
This payment covers the backlog accrued between July 2024 and March 2025, ensuring that members from 2024 Batch A Stream 2—among the first to benefit from the enhanced allowance—receive what they are owed.
The delay had been widely anticipated following the federal government’s approval of the revised allowance, an increase from the previous N33,000. The decision was tied to the implementation of the National Minimum Wage Amendment Act, and former corps members had awaited its full effect since its announcement in late 2024.
At an April 2025 pre-mobilisation workshop in Abuja, NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu assured that once funds were released, all arrears would be paid—including to those who had completed service. “We have their bank details,” he affirmed, promising prompt credit to eligible ex-service members.
One beneficiary—speaking anonymously to The Punch—captured the emotional significance of the moment: “After waiting for two months, I didn’t expect to see another payment alert. But honestly, it’s not just about the money; it’s about feeling like our efforts actually count.”
Despite the increase, many corps members highlight that the N77,000 allowance barely covers basic necessities. Survey data reveal that essentials such as food, transportation, and rent continue to strain budgets—particularly in high-cost regions.
Going forward, corps members and stakeholders will be watching closely to see if subsequent payments are made consistently, ensuring that the setback doesn’t repeat and that the renewed faith in the NYSC allowance system remains swift and reliable.
