The Federal Government has commenced payment of a new N77,000 monthly allowance for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, effective March 2025. The increase follows the implementation of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024, which raised the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000.
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development confirmed the payment on its official X page, while NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu assured corps members that all outstanding payments would be settled. He emphasized that the scheme maintains accurate records and remains committed to corps members’ welfare.
The increase aligns with the new wage structure approved by the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission in September 2024. The amendment not only increased the minimum wage by 133% but also shortened the review period from five to three years to ensure timely wage adjustments in response to economic conditions. Employers are required by law to comply, with any wage below N70,000 deemed non-binding.
Despite the approval, corps members had continued receiving N33,000 as of February 2025, leading to concerns over implementation delays. Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande explained that the delay stemmed from budgetary constraints, as the increase was not initially factored into the 2025 budget. However, he assured that necessary allocations have been made, and all backlogs, including payments owed to corps members before March, would be cleared.
To support the new allowance, the government allocated N430.7 billion to NYSC in the 2025 budget, with N372.9 billion specifically set aside for corps members’ stipends. The implementation marks a significant step in addressing economic challenges and improving the living standards of young graduates in Nigeria.
