Many Nigerians believe that the monthly allowance paid to Corps members is one of the few benefits any Nigerian has ever received from the government.
In September 2024, the President Tinubu government made a significant move by raising the monthly allowance for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000. This change came as a result of the introduction of a new minimum wage policy. This announcement brought relief and celebration among corps members nationwide.
Unfortunately, corps members celebration was short lived because after the increase was announced, Federal government didn’t disburse the new #77,000 allowance to them for almost six months. Serving corps members were paid the previous #33,000 allowance introduced in 2020 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The delay in payment according to NYSC Spokesperson, Caroline Embu was attributed to a lack of “cash backing”.
However, things took a positive turn by March 2025 when some of the members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) confirmed on social media that the Federal Government has begun disbursing payment of the #77,000 allowance.
Meanwhile, the increase is a welcome development, but it raises a bigger question:
Does this new allowance really make a difference in the financial lives of corps members?
A Look at NYSC Allowance Through the Years
While going back in time to see how the NYSC allowance has evolved over the years, since the scheme started in 1973, there have been several major increases, although they’ve often been few and far between. Here’s a breakdown:
– 1973 – 1980: ₦60
– 1981 – 1988: ₦100
– 1989 – 1998: ₦200
– 1999 – 2007: ₦3,500
– 2008 – 2010: ₦9,775
– 2011 – 2018: ₦19,800
– 2019 – 2024: ₦33,000
– 2024 – Present: ₦77,000
As you can see, there were some big jumps at certain points, especially in 1999, 2011, and just recently in 2024. These increases often happened when there were broader economic shifts or changes in the national minimum wages.
Has Inflation Eaten Up the Allowance?
While it’s easy to see that the allowance has been increasing, the question is, has it kept up with inflation?
The answer is a little tricky. Over the years, inflation has steadily eaten away at the purchasing power of corps members, making it harder for them to cover basic needs with their stipends. For example, ₦3,500 in 1999 could have gone much further than ₦33,000 does today when adjusted for inflation. In fact, the ₦19,800 allowance that corps members received between 2011 and 2018 had much less purchasing power due to inflation. Now, with ₦77,000 in 2025, we’re seeing an increase, but inflation still hovers around 33.88% as of October 2024. This means that, in real terms, even this new amount might not stretch as far as it should.
How Far Will ₦77,000 Go? A Sample Budget
To see if ₦77,000 really makes a difference, let’s take a closer look at what a corps member can expect to spend in a mid-tier Nigerian city like Abeokuta:
Items Estimated Cost (#)
Accommodation #12,500
Feeding #30,000
Transportation #10,000
Utilities #5,000
Internet and Communication #5,000
Miscellaneous #7,000
Total #69,500
Balance Left: ₦7,500
Looking at this, it’s clear that while the allowance covers the basics, it’s a tight budget. Corps members have just a little left over for unexpected expenses or savings. And if they’re posted to more expensive cities like Lagos or Abuja, those costs would easily shoot up, leaving them with even less or no amount to spend. Some of them will have to start borrowing so as to cover their expenses before the next allowance is paid.
What Are Corps Members Saying?
While many corps members acknowledge that the raise was long overdue, some argue that ₦77,000 remain insufficient given the rising cost of living.
We spoke to some corps members to hear how they’re feeling about the increase. Their reactions were mixed:
A corps member in Kwara State, Adepoju, noted, “Yes, the scheme has commenced ₦77,000. [The increase is] long overdue.
Similarly, Nkiruka, serving in Kano State, confirmed, “Yes, the increase was long overdue, and I have received the ₦77,000 allowance.”
However, others raised concerns over the real value of the increase.
Stella Abiodun remarked: “Yes, corps members have started receiving ₦77k. While this isn’t exactly worth celebrating because, let’s be honest, ₦77k barely covers anything in today’s economy it proves one thing: they are listening.”
She added: “This is why we must keep demanding what we rightfully deserve instead of sitting back, hoping these politicians will magically change or step down. Pressureworks, and if we can make them increase this allowance, we can push for even bigger changes. The question is, will we keep the momentum or go back to silence?
Reports still indicate that payments are being made in phase, leaving some still awaiting disbursement.
A Good Start, But Not Enough
The increase in the NYSC allowance is a positive step, but it’s not the final fix to the financial struggles of corps members.
Despite the progress, uncertainties remain regarding full disbursement, as many corps members are still waiting for their turn to receive the increased allowance.
It’s clear that while the increase is helpful, many corps members still find themselves struggling financially. For some, it’s a step forward, but not the end-all solution.
Also, inflation and varying living costs across Nigeria continue to make it difficult for many to get by on the stipend alone. Without regular reviews that account for inflation and regional differences in the cost of living, it’s likely that corps members will continue to face financial challenges.
Going forward, the government needs to consider more sustainable ways of adjusting the allowance, to ensure that corps members are not just getting by, but are able to thrive during their service year.
In addition, corps members deserve stipend from the employers that they are posted to undergo their primary assignment as this would augment the allowance being paid by the Federal government.
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