By Ayo Ayodele
The Federal Government has approved an increase in the monthly allowance for corps members to N77,000, effective July 2024.
This decision was announced in a statement by Caroline Embu, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations at the NYSC. The approval was detailed in a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, dated September 25, 2024, and signed by Chairman Ekpo Nta, in accordance with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.
Previously, corps members received a monthly allowance of N33,000, following the minimum wage increase to N30,000 in 2019. President Bola Tinubu signed the new Minimum Wage Bill into law on July 29, 2024, setting the minimum wage at N70,000.
Speculation about an increase in corps members’ pay had been ongoing, but the NYSC management clarified that such decisions are determined by the Federal Government.
In her statement, Embu noted that NYSC Director General Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed had visited the Chairman to advocate for enhanced welfare for corps members. The DG expressed gratitude to the government for this increase, highlighting that it would not only provide relief but also motivate corps members in their national service.