The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, has confirmed increased allowance for corps members, as it will affect thousands of Nigeria’s Youth in the country.
The new ₦70,000 minimum wage would result in a new allowance for corps members, in cooperation with the revised wage announcement made by the Federal Government.
This suggestion further confirms the Government’s ongoing recognition of the essential and critical role the young graduates play in nation-building and the importance of ensuring they are adequately paid for the one-year service to the nation.
Insight on the DG Promise of Increased Allowance for Corps Members
The DG indicated that adjusting the figure for corps member allowance on the basis of policy was merely a helpful exercise.
Raising the allowance was essential to maintain the member’s purchasing power and afford real improvements in corps member’s living circumstances.
The new minimum wage which has been extensively negotiated between the government and labour unions will be used to determine the allowance.
While the figures have not yet been announced, the DG did guarantee the adjustment would reflect the new realities of the economy and be sufficiently available for corps members throughout the service year.
Government Commitment to National Service
The proposed increase in the minimum wage, from ₦30,000to ₦70,000 by the federal government, following President Bola Tinubu’s announcement, has been the subject of extensive deliberation as it awaits the National Assembly’s endorsement, approval and/ or implementation.
This wage increase, which has been described by some as inadequate, may still yield some important change as it represents a threefold advancement over the previous amount.
The NYSC DG has confirmed that the allowances of corps members will be adjusted accordingly once the new wage commences, according to one of his speeches.
This is being done as the federal government is seeking to slim its budget faster, and assist with the economic well-being of those involved with the NYSC, while continuing its national development strategy.
Changing the federal wage has serious implications for the implementation of the NYSC program. Corps members have consistently educated me about the financial challenge they must overcome during their year of service, and being able to live in more comfortable conditions will hopefully allow them to focus upon their assignments, and serving their states and communities.
An updated corps member allowance will also go a long way in alleviating some of the financial strain that is being experienced in the country.
The increased allowance for Corps is a positive contribution in conjunction with the public consultation for the broader economic reform currently happening in the country.
It indicates that the government is aware of the need to provide some support to its youth, especially those who are dedicating one year of their lives to service to the country. It will be very welcomed by corps members across the country at the time of the new wage implementation.
