Abia State Governor Alex Otti has approved a major increase in monthly allowances for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state, boosting the payment from ₦4,000 to as much as ₦50,000.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Njoku Ukoha, all corps members serving in Abia will now receive a base monthly allowance of ₦20,000. Those posted to state government establishments will earn an additional ₦10,000, while medical and teaching corps members will receive an extra ₦30,000 as an incentive for service in critical sectors.
Ukoha explained that the increase complements the Federal Government’s recently approved ₦77,000 NYSC allowance and marks Abia’s first significant adjustment in 27 years. He said the initiative reflects Governor Otti’s commitment to youth empowerment, human capital development, and revitalising key public service sectors that have long suffered from attrition and neglect.
The statement added that the state government has consistently prioritised the welfare of corps members through infrastructure upgrades at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende Local Government Area. Renovation works at the camp include new internal roads, improved accommodation, upgraded facilities, and enhanced power infrastructure.
“The governor believes that every institution or infrastructure within Abia, whether federal or state-owned, deserves attention because it is Abians who benefit the most,” Ukoha said.
The Otti administration’s broader youth-focused policy framework also extends to the health and education sectors. The government recently implemented the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for healthcare workers and extended it to local government staff, aligning their pay with federal standards.
About 35 per cent of the state’s current budget is dedicated to healthcare and education, sectors Governor Otti describes as “pillars of institutional capacity and human capital development.” Ukoha said these investments demonstrate the government’s determination to rebuild critical systems, retain skilled professionals, and motivate young people to contribute to state growth.
Governor Otti noted that the latest reforms are designed to make national service more rewarding and meaningful. “This move sends a clear message that Abia State is serious about empowering youth, rewarding excellence, and building a future where service is truly valued,” he said.
With the allowance increment, Abia now ranks among the states offering the highest stipends to NYSC members in Nigeria. For many young professionals and recent graduates, this policy signals not only a more supportive environment for national service but also a growing ecosystem for skill development and entrepreneurship within the state.
For MSMEs, the improved welfare of corps members and the state’s investment in education and health could translate into a more skilled and motivated local workforce. It also positions Abia as an attractive destination for startups and enterprises looking to tap into youth innovation and public-sector-driven opportunities.
