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Corps Members Frustrated Over Delay In N77,000 Allowance Payment

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5 hours ago

Dec 1, 2024.

Corps members have expressed frustration over the failure of the Federal Government to pay the newly announced monthly allowance of N77,000, which was supposed to take effect in July 2024.

The delay has sparked complaints from corps members, who view it as a sign of the government’s disregard for the welfare of Nigerian youths serving the country. In September, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) announced the increase in corps members’ monthly allowance from N33,000 to N77,000.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that a statement from the NYSC, signed by Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, confirmed that the increment was approved and would be implemented starting in July 2024.

The letter, signed by the Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Mr. Ekpo Nta, was dated September 24th.

Despite this, corps members have continued to receive only the old N33,000 allowance.

“If they had no intention of paying the new allowance, or if they couldn’t pay it now, why make the announcement? We are part of the government’s responsibility. If they can’t pay it, they should just withdraw the announcement so we stop hoping and getting disappointed,” said Laolu, a corps member serving in Kwara State.

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Damilola, serving in Kebbi State, shared similar concerns, stating, “Trust this government at your own peril. If they pay that money before my Passing Out parade, I’ll be very surprised.”

Another corps member, Idris, who is serving in Abuja, expressed frustration over the insufficient N33,000 allowance. “They paid us N33,000 again yesterday. I’m serving in Abuja, and the amount can’t even cover transportation, let alone other needs. How are we expected to survive?” he asked.

Efforts to contact the NYSC spokesperson, Caroline Embu, for comment were unsuccessful, as her phone lines were not connected, and she had not responded to WhatsApp messages by the time of reporting.