The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has revealed plans to more than double the monthly allowance of serving corps members starting February 2025. The new monthly stipend of N77,000 represents a significant 133% increase from the current N33,000 allowance.
Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, Director General of the NYSC, made this landmark announcement while addressing the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II corps members at their orientation camp in Katsina. The increased allowance has been formally incorporated into the 2025 Federal Government budget, signaling a strong commitment to improving the welfare of young Nigerian graduates during their mandatory national service year.
Speaking to the assembled corps members, Ahmed emphasized that the implementation of the new allowance would commence in February 2025, following the passage of the federal budget. This substantial increase comes as a welcome development for thousands of young Nigerians who dedicate a year of their lives to national service across various sectors of the economy.
The announcement reflects a significant shift in the government’s approach to supporting corps members, who have long advocated for better remuneration to cope with the rising cost of living and various service-related expenses. The current N33,000 allowance, which has been in place for several years, has struggled to meet the basic needs of corps members stationed in different parts of the country.
In his address, the Director General called on corps members to demonstrate their appreciation for this unprecedented increase through dedication and commitment to their service responsibilities. This appeal underscores the NYSC’s expectation that the enhanced allowance will motivate corps members to contribute more meaningfully to their host communities and the nation at large.
Beyond the financial boost, Brigadier General Ahmed also addressed crucial concerns about the safety and security of corps members. He provided robust assurances regarding the NYSC’s commitment to protecting its members, emphasizing that deployment decisions would prioritize their safety above all else. “We will not send our corps members to wherever we have challenges of security threats,” Ahmed stated firmly, adding that corps members could rest assured of their safety in their areas of primary assignment.
This security guarantee comes as a relief to many prospective corps members and their families, who often worry about deployment to regions experiencing various forms of insecurity. The NYSC’s commitment to avoiding areas with security challenges demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of participants in the national service program.
The timing of this announcement is particularly significant as it comes when many young Nigerians are grappling with economic challenges. The increased allowance is expected to enhance the corps members’ ability to meet their basic needs, contribute to their host communities, and possibly save for post-service endeavors.
This development marks a notable milestone in the history of the NYSC scheme, which has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s youth development and national integration efforts since its establishment in 1973. The substantial increase in monthly allowance not only demonstrates the government’s recognition of the corps members’ contributions to national development but also reinforces the program’s relevance in contemporary Nigeria.
As the nation awaits the implementation of this new allowance structure, the announcement has generated positive reactions among current and prospective corps members. The increase is expected to boost morale and potentially enhance the quality of service delivery across the various sectors where corps members are deployed, ultimately contributing to the scheme’s objectives of fostering national unity and development.
The NYSC’s dual commitment to improving both the financial welfare and security of corps members represents a comprehensive approach to enhancing the national service experience. As February 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on the successful implementation of this historic allowance increase, which stands to significantly impact the lives of young Nigerian graduates serving their nation.
