National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have criticized the Federal Government for failing to implement the promised N77,000 allowance increase.
The government approved an increase from N33,000 to N77,000 in July 2024 but has not yet commenced actual payments.
NYSC Director-General Brig. Gen. Yushau Ahmed previously announced that corps members would begin receiving the increased amount in February 2025.
However, several corps members confirmed receiving only N33,000 for February, sparking widespread frustration and disappointment across different states.
A corps member in Abia State, speaking anonymously, condemned the government’s failure, stressing that survival on N33,000 remains impossible.
She explained that accommodation costs, food expenses, and transportation fares have become unbearable due to inflation and economic hardship.
Another corps member in Osun State revealed that her monthly expenses exceed N70,000, making the N33,000 allowance insufficient.
She emphasized that transportation alone costs over N12,000 monthly, excluding extra trips for compulsory Community Development Service activities.
A Lagos-based corps member also expressed dissatisfaction, questioning how they are expected to survive under harsh economic conditions.
NYSC’s Director of Communication, Carol Embu, did not respond to inquiries regarding the delayed implementation of the revised allowance.
However, a senior NYSC official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that payments for the increased allowance have not yet commenced.