The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed disappointment with the Federal Government over its failure to implement the announced increase in National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members’ allowances.
The allowance hike, revealed in September 2024, promised to ease the financial burden on corps members by raising their stipends from N33,000 to N77,000. However, four months later, the government has yet to deliver on the promise, leaving corps members disillusioned and struggling with rising living costs.
HURIWA described the delay as a betrayal of trust and urged the government to prioritize the welfare of young Nigerians in national service. Speaking on behalf of the group, National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko said, “The NYSC is a symbol of unity and service to the nation. Announcing an allowance increase without implementation undermines the trust of corps members and the credibility of the institution. Thousands of young Nigerians are now facing unnecessary hardship.”
Ajayi Adeola, CEO of CorpersJourney, a platform advocating for corps members’ welfare, also pleaded with the Federal Government to act swiftly, citing the dire economic conditions many corps members face. Adeola noted that many young Nigerians struggle to afford transportation to their places of primary assignment or even basic necessities.
“The government must recognize the economic realities of this country. A significant number of corps members are resorting to all means to raise funds for survival, which is disheartening. This situation could have been avoided if the allowance increase had been implemented as promised,” Adeola said.
Business Grants Provide Hope Amid Uncertainty
Amid the ongoing struggles, five corps members recently received business grants totaling over N3.2 million from the Founder of Activate Success International Foundation, Love Uloko. The grants were awarded at a ceremony at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.
The beneficiaries—Blessing Enwemeka, Abdumalik Ibrahim, Akande Olaitan Sunday, Blessing Ijeoma Omachi, and Emmanuel Ali—were recognized for their innovative business ideas in areas such as fashion, food, and horticulture.
Uloko praised the recipients for their creativity and resilience, stating, “We are not just providing financial support; we are investing in dreams and building self-reliant leaders who will contribute meaningfully to society.”
She revealed that over the past seven years, Activate Success International Foundation has supported 53 corps members through its partnership with the NYSC. The initiative aims to empower young Nigerians to explore their potential and build sustainable futures.
Uloko also commended the NYSC Director General and his team for their unwavering support of youth empowerment, adding, “This program is creating a ripple effect of innovation and growth, benefiting the country as a whole.”
Urgent Call for Action
With corps members continuing to grapple with financial difficulties, the calls for the government to act on its promises have grown louder. Both HURIWA and Adeola’s CorpersJourney have highlighted the urgent need for the government to fulfill its commitment to the NYSC allowance increase.
As the nation looks to support its youth in service, these grants serve as a glimmer of hope, demonstrating the transformative impact of empowerment initiatives even as corps members await relief from the government.