The Federal Government has approved an increase in the monthly allowance for corps members to N77,000, effective July 2024.
A statement from Caroline Embu, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations at the NYSC, confirmed that the approval is outlined in a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, dated September 25, 2024, and signed by Chairman Mr. Ekpo Nta. This decision aligns with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.
Previously, corps members received a monthly allowance of N33,000, which was raised following the minimum wage increase to N30,000 in 2019. President Bola Tinubu signed the new Minimum Wage Bill into law on July 29, 2024, establishing N70,000 as the minimum wage.
Following the announcement of the new minimum wage, there had been speculation regarding a corresponding increase in corps members’ allowances, with the NYSC management clarifying that such adjustments would be determined by the Federal Government.
In her statement, Embu noted that Brigadier-General Yusha’u Ahmed, the Director General of the NYSC, had previously visited the Chairman to advocate for improved welfare packages for corps members.
The Director General expressed gratitude to the government for this timely decision, emphasizing that it would not only provide much-needed relief for corps members but also enhance their morale and encourage greater service to the nation.