“We don’t know when the N77,000 allowance will be implemented; it’s a process handled by the FG.” – NYSC

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has stated that it is unclear when the newly approved N77,000 monthly allowance for corps members will be implemented. This comes after a September announcement by the NYSC’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, confirming the increase from the previous N33,000 allowance, as stipulated by the Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.

Despite the approval, the expected increase has not yet been reflected in the payments. Corps members were still paid the previous N33,000 allowance for September, leaving many uncertain about when the new rate will take effect.

Addressing the delay, Embu explained that the implementation is dependent on the Federal Government, emphasizing that the payment process takes time. “It is a process. After the pronouncement, the government needs time to implement it. It’s not automatic,” she said. Embu further added that the situation mirrors the delayed implementation of the broader minimum wage adjustments, which have also been slow to materialize.

While many corps members remain hopeful for the increased allowance, the NYSC has not provided a specific timeline for when payments will begin, leaving uncertainty about whether the new rate will be reflected in October’s disbursements.