After months of anticipation and delays, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have received assurances from the Federal Government regarding the payment of the backlog of their newly increased ₦77,000 monthly allowance. The allowance was raised from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000 in September 2024, in alignment with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.

Despite this announced increment, implementation has been stalled, leading to widespread concern among corps members. Addressing these concerns on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, assured that both current corps members and those who were part of the scheme when the increment was announced would receive backdated payments.

He stated, “The backlog, we will work on it and make sure it is paid. It may not be immediate but it will happen. You saw the new DG saying that you will get it, and they’re asking him a question ‘What are those that are going out now, are they going to receive it [backlog]?’ He said we have your details.”

This commitment follows remarks by the NYSC Director-General, Olakunle Nafiu, who recently informed corps members that the new allowance would be implemented starting in March 2025. He emphasized that the NYSC maintains accurate records to ensure all eligible members receive their due payments.

The delay in disbursing the increased allowance has been a source of frustration among corps members, leading to public outcry and calls for timely implementation. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has also expressed concern over the non-payment, urging authorities to expedite the process.