FG urged to implement approved NYSC allowance increment
• As foundation awards N3.2m business grants to five corps members
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has lamented the Federal Government’s failure to implement the upward review of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members’ allowances, which was announced in September 2024.
The group described the government’s failure to do this as unjust and deceptive. It urged an immediate actualisation of the promised policy to uphold the integrity of the NYSC scheme and ensure the welfare of Nigerian youths.
According to the group, the announcement, which raised corps members’ monthly stipends from N33,000 to N77,000, was widely welcomed as a significant step toward alleviating the financial burden faced by NYSC members during their mandatory year of national service.
However, HURIWA noted that four months after the declaration, the government has yet to implement the policy, leaving corps members disillusioned and struggling to meet basic needs amid rising inflation.
The group’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a statement yesterday, argued that the delay is a violation of trust, stating: “The NYSC should be an institution that embodies transparency and fairness. It is unacceptable for the Federal Government to announce an allowance increase only to leave corps members in a state of indefinite uncertainty. This failure undermines the credibility of the government and the institution while subjecting thousands of young Nigerians to unnecessary hardship.”
The association also highlighted the broader implications of the unfulfilled promise, emphasising that the NYSC allowance is a critical support system for young Nigerians who dedicate a year of their lives to serving the nation.
MEANWHILE, five corps members have received business grants worth over N3.2 million. The grants were given by the Founder of Activate Success International Foundation, Love Uloko, at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) National Directorate Headquarters, Abuja. This was disclosed in a statement by the Acting Director, Information and Public Relations of NYSC, Caroline Embu.
According to the statement, the corps beneficiaries are Enwemeka Blessing FC/24A/5897, Abdumalik Ibrahim FC/24A/6157, Akande Olaitan Sunday FC/24B/3856, Blessing Ijeoma Omachi FC/24B/5031 and Emmanuel Ali FC/24B/0603.
While the first three received N750,000 each, the last two received N500,000 each. The statement noted that their business ideas revolved around fashion, food and confectionaries, and horticulture, among others.
In her address, Uloko said the beneficiaries were selected through a rigorous, transparent and merit-based process, adding that they have demonstrated creativity, resilience, and a clear vision for the future with good potential.
“As of today, we have supported 53 corps members through this initiative. We are investing in dreams, nurturing potential and sowing seeds of success that will flourish for years to come.
“For over seven years, Activate Success International Foundation has partnered with the NYSC to bring transformative opportunities to corps members across the country to pursue their gifts, discover their talents and build purposeful lives.
“Through this programme, we are creating a ripple effect of growth and innovation by building a generation of self-reliant leaders who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to society,” she said. She appreciated the NYSC Director General and his management team for their unwavering partnership and dedication towards empowering Nigerian youths.
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