The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, has assured corps members that their monthly allowance will be increased in line with the new minimum wage once it is implemented for federal civil servants.

During his visit to the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream Two orientation camps in Kebbi and Sokoto states, Brig. Gen. Ahmed addressed the corps members, emphasizing the invaluable contributions they make to the socio-economic development of the country. He assured them that the NYSC management is committed to improving their welfare and that the allowance increment will take effect as soon as the new minimum wage is operational.

“The Federal Government’s approval of the new minimum wage is a significant step, and we are working to ensure that corps members benefit from this development,” Ahmed stated. He also encouraged the corps members to take advantage of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program to acquire vocational skills that would make them self-reliant.

Ahmed highlighted the partnerships NYSC has established with various organizations, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry, and NNPC Foundation, which provide loans and grants to support corps members in their entrepreneurial endeavors. He urged the corps members to embrace these opportunities to create jobs and contribute to the nation’s economy.

The NYSC DG also reassured the corps members of their safety, stating that the scheme would not post any member to areas where their security is not guaranteed. He advised them to remain vigilant and security-conscious throughout their service year.

This announcement has been met with optimism among corps members, who have long awaited an increase in their monthly stipends from the current N33,000. The implementation of the new minimum wage is expected to bring much-needed relief to the young graduates serving across the country.