Corpers Fury: FG Under Fire for Withholding Allowances of N77k

Members of the National Youth Service Corps have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s ongoing failure to implement the payment of the N77,000 allowance.

The Federal Government had approved an increase in the monthly allowance for corps members from N33,000 to N77,000, effective July 2024.

In that same year, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brig. Gen. Yushau Ahmed, cited the non-release of funds as the reason for the implementation of the new allowance.

Subsequently, the DG announced that corps members would begin receiving the increased allowance in February 2025.

However, despite this official announcement, investigations by Sunday PUNCH have revealed that the NYSC has yet to initiate the payment of the N77,000 allowance.

Numerous corps members have also reported to our correspondent that they only received N33,000 for their February allowance on Friday.

One corps member serving in Abia State, speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on media interactions, criticized the Federal Government for its lack of transparency regarding the payment of the N77,000 allowance.

The corps member expressed frustration over the inadequacy of the N33,000 allowance.

She expressed, “The monthly stipend of N33,000 is insufficient for our needs. The Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) where we have been assigned does not offer accommodation, leaving us to find and pay for our own housing. The current economic climate in the country is challenging for everyone. Additionally, the cost of feeding ourselves in an unfamiliar location adds to the financial strain. It is extremely difficult to make ends meet on a monthly income of N33,000. Some PPAs even pay as little as N4,000, making it nearly impossible to survive on a total of N37,000 per month. The financial challenges faced by corps members are significant and require attention.”

“The cost of living is exorbitant. Transportation expenses are not even factored in. In the fellowship house where I am residing, we pool money for food, leaving us with very little. Other bills still need to be settled as well. The financial situation is dire, and the Federal Government’s promises continue to fall short. This is unacceptable.”

Another corps member serving in Osun voiced frustration with the Federal Government for the delay in disbursing the new allowance.

She emphasized, “The Federal Government must take action; N33,000 is simply not enough. When I tally up my expenses, I realize I am spending over N70,000 each month. Just on transportation, I am shelling out more than N12,000 monthly, not even counting the days I attend CDS. I had to turn to my mother for assistance because this monthly stipend is insufficient. Survival on this amount is a struggle.”

Similarly, a corps member serving in Lagos expressed her discontent, stating, “It is unrealistic to expect us to make ends meet on N33,000 amidst such severe hardships. The promised N77,000 has yet to materialize.”

Despite attempts to reach out for comment on the issue, the Director of Communication of the NYSC, Carol Embu, remained unresponsive to calls and text messages.

However, a senior official within the NYSC, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that the implementation of the N77,000 payment had not yet commenced. The situation remains unresolved, leaving corps members in a precarious financial position.”