The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that the monthly allowance for corps members, currently set at N33,000, will be increased following the implementation of Nigeria’s new minimum wage.
NYSC Director General Yusha’u Ahmed made this announcement during his visit to orientation camps in Kebbi and Sokoto on Tuesday, addressing the 2024 Batch ‘B’ stream two corps members.
Ahmed emphasized the significant contributions corps members make to Nigeria’s socio-economic development and encouraged them to use their service year as an opportunity for personal growth and future planning. He urged corps members to take full advantage of the NYSC’s skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development programs.
“Make the most of your time in camp to learn a skill,” Ahmed advised. “Post-camp training can further develop your abilities, helping you create jobs and employ others rather than just searching for work. Many former corps members are now thriving in their respective fields.”
He also highlighted the NYSC’s partnerships with institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry, Unity Bank, Access Bank, and the NNPC Foundation, which provide loans and grants to corps members.
Assuring the corps members of their safety during their service year, Ahmed mentioned that they would be posted to secure locations but advised them to remain vigilant.
In Kebbi, NYSC Coordinator Aghata Banki-Okolo reported that the corps members have adapted well to camp life, with a total of 1,195 members registered, including those displaced from Zamfara State.
Similarly, Sokoto NYSC Coordinator Yakubu Usman praised the corps members for their discipline and quick adaptation to the camp environment, noting that Sokoto has 1,488 corps members, including those relocated from Zamfara due to security issues.
In July, the federal government and organized labor reached an agreement to raise the minimum wage to N70,000. The National Assembly passed the bill on July 23, and it was signed into law on July 29.
