Corps members have lamented the failure of the federal government to pay the N77,000 new allowance that was announced in September for them.
According to the corps members, the delay in paying the increased amount reflected the government’s low regard for the welfare of Nigerian youths selflessly serving the country.
The NYSC had in September announced the increment of the corps members’ monthly allowance from N33,000 to N77,000 with effect from July 2024.
According to a statement signed by the NYSC’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the directive was contained in a letter dated September 24th, and signed by the Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Mr Ekpo Nta.
However, the corps members said the federal government had continued to pay the N33,000 sum.
“If they had no intention of paying the money, or if they couldn’t pay it now, why did they make the announcement? We are part of the government’s responsibility. If they can’t pay it, they can undo the announcement so that we stop hoping and getting disappointed,” Laolu, a corps member serving in Kwara State, told our correspondent.
Sharing the same sentiment, Damilola, a corps member in Kebbi State, stated, “Trust this government at your own peril. If they pay that money before my Passing Out parade, I’ll be very surprised.”
Another corps member serving in Abuja, Idris, said, “They paid us N33,000 yesterday again. I’m serving in Abuja, for goodness sake. The amount cannot even cover transportation alone, not to mention other needs. How are we expected to survive?”
Efforts to reach the spokesperson for the NYSC, Caroline Embu, to comment on the matter proved abortive, as her phone lines did not connect and she was yet to respond to WhatsApp messages as of the time of filing this report. [The Punch]
