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The Federal Government has reassured members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) that the backlog of their newly approved N77,000 monthly allowance will be paid, despite months of delay.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, made this assurance during an interview, emphasize that the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promise.
“The backlog will be paid. It may not be immediate, but it will happen. The NYSC DG has confirmed that Corps members will receive it, and their details have been recorded,” Olawande stated.
The government announced the increase from N33,000 to N77,000 in September 2024, aligning with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024. However, six months later, Corps members are yet to receive the revised allowance.
NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, recently assured Corps members that payments would commence in March. Olawande corroborated this, explaining that budgetary and administrative processes caused the delay.
“It was not in the budget when the president announced it. But now, the allocation has been made, approved, and signed. Payments can now begin,” he clarified.
Addressing concerns over Corps member Ushie Uguamaye, who criticized President Bola Tinubu on social media, Olawande dismissed reports of any disciplinary action against her.
“The girl has not been threatened, no panel has been set up against her, and she will not face any disciplinary process,” he stated.
The minister emphasized the right to free speech, adding that Nigerians should not fear expressing their concerns about national issues.
“If someone is uncomfortable with something, they should be free to speak. President Tinubu himself has faced criticism, and this is not an isolated case,” he added.
With the government’s assurance, Corps members now await the long-overdue disbursement of their revised stipends.
