The Federal Government has assured that corps members will receive the backlog of their delayed increased 77,000 monthly allowance.
On September 25, 2024, the federal government announced an increase in the monthly stipend for serving corps members from N33,000 to N77,000. However, the new adjustment has yet to be implemented despite repeated promises.
Last week, after a corps members went viral for lamenting the hardships corpers are facing while trying to live on N33, 000 per month, the new Director General of the NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, stated that corps members should expect the new allowance to take effect in March 2025.
In a renewed assurance to corps members, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, revealed that serving corps members and those in the scheme when the increment was announced are expected to receive backdated payments.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, March 24, Olawande reaffirmed the government’s commitment to settling the backlog.
He said, “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.’”
He further assured that the government would ensure the delayed payments are made, though he cautioned that it may take some time.
“The backlog, we will work on it and make sure it is paid. It may not be immediate but it will happen,” he said.