In a move that has sparked widespread excitement among National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members across Nigeria, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, has announced a significant increase in the monthly allowance for corps members. Beginning in February 2025, the new monthly allowance will rise to N77,000, up from the previous N33,000.
The announcement was made during a speech to the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II corps members in Katsina State. Brigadier General Ahmed explained that the increase is part of the 2025 Federal Government budget and will take effect once the budget is passed. He reassured the corps members, saying, “This month (January) has already ended, but once the budget is passed, by next month (February), you will start receiving N77,000 instead of the usual N33,000.”
The increase in allowance is being hailed as a step toward improving the welfare of the corps members, who have long advocated for better financial support during their one-year compulsory service. The announcement has received widespread approval on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, where many users, particularly young Nigerians, expressed their approval and gratitude. Some users have even referred to the increment as a positive sign of the government’s attention to youth welfare and empowerment.
In addition to the pay raise, Brigadier General Ahmed also reassured corps members of their safety while on duty. “We will not send our corps members to any areas with security challenges,” he affirmed. This statement reflects the government’s increased concern for the security of corps members, especially given the rising security threats in certain regions of the country. He assured the corps members that wherever they are posted, they would be assured of safety, allowing them to carry out their duties without fear.
The new allowance and the safety measures are expected to boost morale among corps members and encourage them to serve the nation with greater dedication. Many social media users have pointed out that the pay increase will help ease the financial burden faced by corps members, especially those posted to remote areas or regions with limited infrastructure.
With the budget now awaiting passage, corps members are looking forward to February with renewed optimism, hopeful that this gesture will pave the way for further improvements in their welfare and working conditions.
