From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
After months of anticipation, the Federal Government. has commenced payment of the revised N77,000 monthly allowance to members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), bringing relief to thousands of corps members nationwide.
The new allowance, announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in September 2024, had initially sparked excitement among corps members. However, the delay in implementation led to growing frustration, as they continued receiving the previous N33,000 stipend introduced in 2020 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Confirming the development, a serving corps member in Kwara State, identified as Adepoju, described the payment as “long overdue” and suggested that it was being disbursed in batches. “Some of my colleagues have received theirs, but others are still waiting. We just hope everyone gets theirs soon,” he said.
Nigerians on social media have reacted to the news, with many celebrating the long-awaited increase. A Twitter user, @ToluDaniel10, praised the payment, writing, “NYSC is finally paying 77k to corps members. If you have this girl’s DM, go say a big thank you. I bet the government wouldn’t have listened to you if not for her.”
Another user, @fimlex2, pointed out the silence surrounding the payment, tweeting, “NYSC don pay corpers 77k now, see as everywhere just quiet.”
Similarly, @jess_odii confirmed the update, while @dreyymo shared excitement, posting, “NYSC don pay 77k oooo! I feel good.”
The increment aligns with the push for a new minimum wage, championed by labour unions and the government. However, some corps members remain anxious, awaiting their turn to receive the adjusted stipend.