Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has approved a massive upward review of allowances for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state, raising the payment from ₦4,000 to as high as ₦50,000 monthly.
This is the first major increment in almost three decades, marking a 1,150% rise in the corps members’ stipends.
The move has sparked widespread commendation across Abia and beyond, as many describe it as a bold and youth-friendly policy.
This was contained in a press release by Ctz. Njoku Ukoha, the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, on Friday, November 7, 2025.
Under the new arrangement, corps members serving in Abia State will now receive a basic allowance of ₦20,000 from the state government, in addition to the federal allowance of ₦77,000.
Those posted to state ministries and agencies will earn an extra ₦10,000, while corps members working in schools and hospitals will receive an additional ₦30,000.
Governor Otti said the initiative was designed to motivate young Nigerians serving in Abia and close the gap in manpower across vital sectors like education and healthcare.
“The New Abia has paved the way for a New Era for Corps Members,” the statement read.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the Otti-led administration has also made significant upgrades to the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende Local Government Area.
The state government renovated roads within the camp, restored power infrastructure, and rehabilitated worn-out buildings, all in a bid to create a better environment for corps members.
Dr Alex Otti, who has consistently advocated for human capital development, maintained that every federal or state-owned facility within Abia should benefit from government support since it ultimately serves the people of the state.
Governor Otti has often emphasized that investing in people remains the best way to secure the state’s future. His administration’s decision reflects that vision — by rewarding service, empowering youths, and strengthening the workforce for sustainable growth.
In a related development, it could be recalled that only a few days ago, Governor Otti implemented the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers across Abia State.
The policy, which was recently extended to local government areas, brought healthcare workers’ pay in line with their federal counterparts and boosted morale across the sector.
With over 35% of Abia’s budget dedicated to education and health, the Otti administration is steadily building a new foundation for public service in the state: one focused on fairness, motivation, and excellence.