NYSC DG Addresses Corps Members’ Allowance Increase With New Minimum Wage

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has assured corps members that their monthly allowance of ₦33,000 will be increased following the implementation of the new minimum wage by the Federal Government.

This was confirmed by the NYSC Director General, Yusha’u Ahmed, during his visit to Kebbi and Sokoto, where he addressed the 2024 Batch ‘B’ stream two corps members at the orientation camps in both states.

Ahmed emphasized the critical role corps members play in Nigeria’s socio-economic development and encouraged them to use their service year to build their skills and prepare for a prosperous future.

He urged corps members to take full advantage of the NYSC’s skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development program, stating, “At the very least, learn a skill while in camp. After the Orientation Course, continue with post-camp training.

“Aim to acquire a skill that will enable you to create jobs and employ others rather than searching for jobs. Many former Corps members across the country are now thriving in various vocations.”

The DG highlighted that the NYSC has established partnerships with reputable organizations such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Industry (BOI), Unity Bank, Access Bank, and NNPC Foundation, among others, to provide loans and grants to corps members.

He also assured corps members of their safety throughout their service year, stating that they would be posted to secure locations but advised them to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

In her remarks, the NYSC Coordinator in Kebbi, Aghata Banki-Okolo, noted that corps members have adapted well to camp life, participating actively in all camp activities and following instructions.

She mentioned that there are 240 camp officials in Kebbi, who are using emotional intelligence in their duties. She reported that 1,195 corps members have been registered, with 1,077 stationed in Kebbi and 118 dislodged from Zamfara State.

Similarly, the NYSC Coordinator in Sokoto, Yakubu Usman, praised the corps members for their discipline and quick adaptation to the camp environment.

He reported that the total number of corps members in Sokoto is 1,488, including 682 males and 806 females. This number includes 134 males and 66 females who were displaced from Zamfara due to security concerns.

Recall that in July, after negotiations with the federal government, organized labor agreed to a new minimum wage of ₦70,000.

The National Assembly passed the bill raising Nigeria’s minimum wage from ₦30,000 on July 23, and it was signed into law on July 29.