The Federal Government has begun paying arrears to former National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members. This payment by the FG follows the new minimum wage adjustment and targets those who served before the latest NYSC allowance took effect.

Many former corps members have confirmed on social media that they received ₦44,000 in their bank accounts. The money covers unpaid allowance differences between July 2024 and February 2025. These corps members had finished their service before the new ₦77,000 monthly payment started in March 2025.

This move follows the approval of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act, which raised Nigeria’s minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000. As a result, NYSC members saw their monthly allowance jump from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000. The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission communicated the approval in a letter dated September 25, 2024.

However, the actual disbursement was delayed for months. According to the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, “the necessary budgetary allocations were not in place at the time of the approval.” That led to the delay in paying both the new allowance and the arrears.

In the 2025 fiscal year, the government set aside ₦29.54 billion for NYSC. This includes funds for uniforms, transportation, feeding, and other welfare needs. Other line items also include publicity, camp upgrades, and sporting events.

Beyond payments, the government is planning long-term reforms for the NYSC. New service arms focused on healthcare and education will soon be introduced. These units aim to send corps members to rural communities where medical and teaching staff are lacking.

A reform committee has also been proposed to review NYSC operations. It will engage stakeholders and suggest ways to modernize the scheme.

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