The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to paying the backlog of the newly approved N77,000 corps members’ allowance, assuring that all eligible individuals will receive their due payments.
In September 2024, the government announced an increment in the NYSC monthly stipend from N33,000 to N77,000, bringing relief to many corps members.
However, despite repeated assurances, the implementation has been delayed, leaving many in uncertainty.
Following a viral video of a corps member lamenting financial struggles, the NYSC Director General (DG), Olakunle Nafiu, addressed the issue.
He assured that the new allowance would take effect in March 2025, easing concerns about whether the approved increase would still be honored.
In a fresh statement, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, emphasized that not only would the new stipend take effect soon, but backdated payments would also be made.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, March 24, he reassured corps members that the government had their details and was working on processing their payments.
“You saw the new DG saying that you will get it, and they’re asking him a question, ‘What about those that are going out now, are they going to receive it [backlog]?’ He said, ‘We have your details,’” Olawande stated.
Furthermore, the minister cautioned that while the payments might not be immediate, the government was determined to ensure that every affected corps member received their entitlements.
“The backlog, we will work on it and make sure it is paid. It may not be immediate, but it will happen,” he added.
Meanwhile, reactions from corps members across the country have been positive, with many seeing this as a long-awaited step towards improving their welfare.
The assurance of receiving their backlog has further strengthened their confidence in the scheme.
As the government works on finalizing the disbursement process, corps members are encouraged to remain patient while awaiting further updates.
