Corps members serving their mandatory one-year national service in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have expressed their worry over the delay in the implementation of the new monthly allowance of N77, 000.
The headquarters of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, had on its official Facebook page, communicated the increment from N33,000 to N77, 000 in a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, dated September 25, 2024 and signed by the chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta, but with the effective date from July 2024.
However, the increment did not reflect in the August and September payments of the corps members prompting the apprehension.
The worry was further worsened on Sunday when the Director General of the Corps, Brig. General Yushau Ahmed, disclosed that increase in corps members’ allowance has not been implemented due to non-release of funds.
But speaking to BBC Hausa service and monitored in Abuja, the NYSC DG explained that although there was approval for the increment, government was yet to release funds to the scheme for the implementation of the new allowance.
He said, “Not only the corps members, even our staff members’ salary has been increased about four to five months ago, but it has not been implemented yet. But we are hopeful that the new pay will be implemented soon, but the funds have not been released to us yet.
“The information we have did not specify when the new allowance will be paid, but we were assured that their monthly allowance has been increased from 29th July 2024.”
Some corps members who spoke to this newspaper on Sunday in Abuja bemoaned the delay citing the high cost of goods and services.
“What is difficult in implementing the directive by the Ministry of Finance and Accountant General? They know how many corps members are serving, the actual amount. They should please release the increment with the arrears.
“Things have been difficult for me living in the outskirt. My place of primary assignment pays just N20, 000 and even with the monthly allawee (allowance) it is difficult to cope,” a corps member who asked not to be named for fear of disciplinary measures said.
Another male corps member who wants to be identified only as Oby expressed the hope that the arrears will be paid with the October allowance, also citing the economic meltdown in the country.
“I stay in Kubwa. I used to pay between N300/N350 to get to town, CBD, but now I spend an average of N700/N800 on a one way trip.
“It is not as if the new increment will change the situation very much, but it will go a long way. So, the government should please tidy up with the payment this October.”
