In a move to align with the newly enacted National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024, the Federal Government has approved an increase in corps members’ monthly allowance to N77,000, effective from July 2024. This significant pay rise follows the recent signing of the new minimum wage bill by President Bola Tinubu, which stipulates N70,000 as the national minimum wage.

Prior to this announcement, corps members received a monthly allowance of N33,000, which was implemented in 2019 when the minimum wage was raised to N30,000. The new allowance increase was confirmed in a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, signed by its Chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta, and dated September 25, 2024.

Caroline Embu, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), stated that the Director General of NYSC, Brigadier-General Yusha’u Ahmed, had previously advocated for better welfare for corps members. His efforts resulted in the approval, which is expected to bring much-needed relief to the young graduates participating in the mandatory one-year national service.

Brigadier-General Ahmed expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government for its support, stating that the increase will not only provide financial relief to corps members but will also boost their morale, motivating them to serve the nation more effectively.

This pay raise is a welcome development for corps members, who often face financial challenges while performing their duties across various parts of the country. The new allowance is expected to improve their overall experience and commitment during their service year.