Godsent Ogbebor
NANS Demands Probe of NYSC Over Non-Payment of ₦77,000 Corps Members’ Allowance
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for an investigation into the leadership of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) over the delayed implementation of the approved ₦77,000 monthly allowance for corps members.
In a statement on Monday, NANS National Vice President for Inter-Campus Affairs, Akinbodunse Sileola Felicia, expressed disappointment that despite the federal government’s approval, corps members were still receiving the old ₦33,000 allowance.
The federal government had approved the increase from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000 in July 2024, following the enactment of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.
Read also: NYSC to Begin Payment of ₦77,000 Monthly Allowance in February 2025 – DG
The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier-General Yushau Ahmed, had announced on January 30 that corps members would begin receiving the new allowance from February 2025.
However, corps members were dismayed when they received only ₦33,000 for February, despite the rising cost of living.
Felicia described the situation as unacceptable, noting that the federal and state governments had already implemented the new minimum wage for their workers.
“The NYSC has no justification for withholding the approved allowance. Corps members should not be subjected to this injustice months after the federal government approved the increase,” she stated.
NANS demanded an explanation from the NYSC on the delay, insisting that the federal government should launch an investigation to determine the cause.
The student body also warned that the failure to pay the new allowance could dampen corps members’ morale, especially given the country’s economic challenges.
Felicia further stated that NANS would engage with NYSC leadership to seek clarity on why corps members were yet to benefit from the new wage, even as NYSC staff had already received their salary adjustments.
