NYSC Set For Major Spending: ₦307.6 Billion Allocated For Corps Members’ Allowances

NYSC to Drop ₦307.6 Billion on Corps Members’ Stipends

Hey there, let’s dive into something pretty important happening within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). According to recent projections, the NYSC is gearing up to shell out a massive ₦307.6 billion on allowances for corps members. This significant figure is tied to the recent hike in monthly stipends, which jumped from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000 per month. That’s a major leap, and it’s all part of the government’s effort to improve the lives of corps members during their service year.

What’s Behind the Allowance Hike?

This substantial increase didn’t just happen out of the blue. It came after the approval of the new minimum wage bill, which became law back in May 2024. The NYSC, like many other organizations, had to align its payments with this new standard. Now, corps members can expect to receive ₦77,000 monthly, which is a welcome change for many. The move reflects the government’s commitment to supporting young Nigerians as they contribute to national development.

How Does the NYSC Handle Mobilization?

Every year, the NYSC organizes corps members into three batches—A, B, and C. These batches are spread across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. Each orientation camp typically enlists between 1,200 and 1,500 corps members, averaging out to around 55,500 members per batch. When you multiply that by the three batches, you get a grand total of 333,000 corps members mobilized annually. It’s a massive operation, and it’s only growing.

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Breaking Down the Numbers

With each corps member now earning ₦77,000, the math is straightforward. For one batch, the total payout amounts to ₦25.64 billion. Multiply that by three batches, and you’re looking at ₦307.6 billion spent annually on allowances alone. It’s a staggering figure, but it underscores the importance of investing in young people who are contributing to the nation’s progress.

A Boost in Budget Allocation

In December 2024, President Bola Tinubu unveiled the 2025 budget proposal, allocating a record-breaking ₦430.7 billion to the NYSC. This marks the highest budgetary provision for the scheme in the past five years. Out of this allocation, ₦372.9 billion—nearly 86.5 percent—has been earmarked specifically for paying corps members’ allowances. It’s clear that the government sees value in compensating these young professionals fairly.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite the announcement of the new allowance structure back in September 2024, the revised payments haven’t kicked in yet. Five months later, the Federal Government is still working on providing the necessary cash backing. In response to concerns about the delay, Caroline Embu, the acting Director of Press and Public Relations for the NYSC, stated, “The cash backing is still being awaited.” It’s a frustrating situation for many corps members who were hopeful about receiving their increased stipends promptly.

A Promise for the Future

In a recent WhatsApp message obtained by The Punch, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, the newly appointed Director-General of the NYSC, assured that the new payment structure would be implemented in March. While this is encouraging news, corps members and stakeholders alike are keeping a close eye on developments. Ensuring timely and fair compensation is crucial for maintaining morale and motivation among the corps.

So there you have it—a closer look at the NYSC’s financial plans and the hurdles they’re facing. It’s a complex but essential program, and the success of its implementation will undoubtedly shape the future of Nigerian youth service.