Former members of the National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC ) are raising their voices over delayed arrears following the recent implementation of Nigeria’s new ₦70,000 minimum wage. While a partial payment of ₦44,000 has been received, many ex-corps members say they are still waiting for the full balance and have taken to social media to demand clarity and accountability from the NYSC leadership. Their open letters and online appeals reflect growing frustration amid rising living costs and economic hardship.
According to the ex-corps members, they received a one-time payment of ₦44,000 in the past two months but have not seen any further disbursement.
One former corps member wrote, “Could you please provide information on the status of our 44k arrears?” Others raised the same concern, urging the government to provide a clear update.
A letter from one former corps member stated, “I served under the National Youth Service Corps scheme in Gombe State, February 15, 2024, to February 14, 2025. During my service year, the Federal Government of Nigeria reached an agreement with organized labour to increase the national minimum wage to ₦70,000 from ₦30,000.”
This new wage structure was implemented in July 29, 2024, which would raise corps members’ allowance from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000.”
The open letter further explained that while corps members were considered government workers, they had only received part of the expected increase. “While a payment of ₦44,000 was made over the past two months, the outstanding balance still remains unpaid,” the ex-corps member said.
The affected batches are appealing for the Federal Government’s immediate intervention, citing the current economic hardship, inflation, and rising cost of living as major challenges. “It is extremely difficult for us to sustain our basic daily needs without this rightful entitlement,” one letter read.
They also expressed trust in the government’s commitment to justice and youth empowerment, hoping that their appeal would receive prompt attention. “We trust in the Federal Government’s commitment to justice and youth empowerment and hope this appeal will receive favorable attention and prompt resolution,” a letter concluded.
Unconfirmed reports are circulating that ex-corps members should expect their arrears by the end of the month of August. However, the NYSC has not issued any official statement to confirm this. What remains clear is that the NYSC arrears payment process has not yet been concluded.