Nigerian youth corps members have finally received long-awaited arrears of their new ₦77,000 monthly allowance, ending a frustrating two-month pause that had sparked nationwide complaints. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) confirmed that disbursements resumed on Wednesday, marking the first payment since June 3.
The allowance hike was approved by the Federal Government in April 2025 as part of its pledge to cushion economic hardship for young graduates. However, implementation stalled, leaving corps members and recent graduates stranded financially. The resumption of payments has now restored hope for thousands who had begun to doubt the government’s commitment.
NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, had earlier assured that both serving and recently discharged corps members would benefit. Speaking at the Batch A 2025 Pre-Mobilisation Workshop in Abuja, Nafiu promised, “Once funds are released to us to offset the arrears, we will pay them. Even our corps members who passed out recently will benefit. We have their bank details.”
Wednesday’s payout covers arrears dating back to July 2024, when the increment was first approved, up until March 2025. For many ex-corps members, the unexpected alerts brought a sigh of relief. One recipient told PUNCH, “After waiting for two months, I didn’t expect to see another payment alert. But honestly, it’s not just about the money; it’s about feeling like our efforts actually count.”
The delay had fueled anger on social media, where many accused authorities of insensitivity to the plight of graduates surviving on little to nothing. The renewed payments are expected to calm nerves and reaffirm faith in the administration’s promise to prioritize youth welfare.
Government officials maintain that the payment reflects a broader policy shift towards fairness and responsiveness. By clearing arrears and sustaining the new ₦77,000 structure, the NYSC hopes to not only support corps members but also restore confidence in the one-year mandatory service scheme.
Observers say the move is also politically strategic, with President Bola Tinubu’s administration keen to win back the trust of young Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections. For now, though, corps members across the country are celebrating what feels like overdue recognition of their sacrifices in nation-building.
