After months of uncertainty and repeated promises, the Federal Government has assured serving members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) that they will receive the backlog of their newly approved ₦77,000 monthly allowance.
The long-awaited payment, which was announced in September 2024 but has not been implemented, is now set to be settled, bringing relief to thousands of corps members nationwide.
FG Confirms Backlog Payment
The assurance was given by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promise and acknowledged the frustrations corps members have faced due to the delay.
“You saw the new DG saying that you will get it, and they’re asking him a question ‘What about those that are going out now, are they going to receive it [backlog]?’ He said, ‘We have your details,’” Olawande stated.
He further emphasized that while the payment may not be immediate, efforts are being made to ensure that all corps members who were in service when the increment was announced will receive their rightful entitlements.
“The backlog, we will work on it and make sure it is paid. It may not be immediate but it will happen,” he assured.
Allowance Increase Yet to Be Implemented Since September
In September 2024, the Federal Government announced an increase in corps members’ monthly allowance from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000. The increment was met with excitement among corps members, many of whom struggle with financial constraints due to rising inflation and the high cost of living in the country.
However, despite repeated assurances from government officials, the new allowance has yet to be implemented, leading to widespread disappointment and skepticism.
For months, corps members have taken to social media to express their frustrations, questioning why the approved increase has not been reflected in their stipends. Some have accused the government of making empty promises, while others have called for immediate action to address the issue.
Corps Members React to the Announcement
Following the minister’s latest assurance, reactions from corps members have been mixed. While some welcomed the news with optimism, others remained doubtful about the actual implementation.
“I hope this time they are serious about it. We have been waiting for months, and many of us are struggling to survive on ₦33,000 in this economy,” said Deborah Okoro, a corps member serving in Lagos.
Similarly, Chinedu Udeh, serving in Kano, expressed frustration over the delay. “They keep saying they will pay, but when? Many corps members have completed their service, and they still haven’t received the new allowance. The government should act fast.”
However, some corps members expressed cautious optimism. “It’s good to hear that they have acknowledged the backlog. I just hope they don’t keep postponing it,” said Ibrahim Mohammed, a corps member in Abuja.
Some corps members have also voiced concerns about how the backlog will be calculated and disbursed. Questions have arisen about whether payments will be made in bulk or in installments. A few have even raised fears that the government might eventually rescind the decision, given the current economic challenges.
Economic Challenges and Budgetary Constraints
While the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to paying the backlog, economic analysts believe the delay may be linked to Nigeria’s current financial challenges. The country has been grappling with revenue shortfalls and high inflation, making it difficult for the government to meet certain financial obligations promptly.
A public policy analyst, Dr. Femi Adekunle, noted that the backlog payment could be delayed further due to budgetary constraints. “The government is dealing with multiple economic pressures, including debt servicing and funding other social programs. While the NYSC allowance increase is a commendable policy, the challenge is finding the funds to implement it without delay,” he said.
Another expert, Professor Adebayo Olusola, an economist at the University of Lagos, suggested that the government might need to reprioritize its spending to accommodate the NYSC payment. “There needs to be transparency in government spending. Corps members are an essential part of national service, and their welfare should not be neglected. If the government fails to pay this backlog soon, it may lead to widespread dissatisfaction,” he warned.
Government’s Response and Next Steps
Despite the minister’s assurance, no specific timeline has been provided for when the backlog payment will be made.
The uncertainty surrounding the exact payment date has left many corps members in a state of anticipation.
To address growing concerns, the NYSC management has urged corps members to remain patient.
An official statement from the scheme emphasized that the government is working tirelessly to ensure that the backlog is settled as soon as possible.
However, many corps members remain skeptical, given the history of delays in government disbursements.
A government insider who spoke anonymously hinted that the delay could be attributed to ongoing negotiations within the Ministry of Finance. “The funds for the NYSC increment were not initially included in the 2024 budget, so the government is trying to reallocate resources. The payment will come, but corps members should be prepared for possible further delays,” the source disclosed.
Public Reactions and Calls for Transparency
The delay in implementing the NYSC allowance increment has sparked widespread reactions from Nigerians, with many calling for greater transparency in government finances. Some youth groups and civil society organizations have urged the government to expedite the payment process to prevent further hardship for corps members.
“The government must prioritize youth welfare. These corps members are dedicating a year of their lives to national service, and the least they deserve is to be paid what they are owed,” said Taiwo Adeyemi, an activist with the National Youth Advocacy Forum.
Similarly, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a statement urging the government to release a clear payment schedule. “We demand that the Federal Government provides a timeline for the backlog payment. The lack of clarity is unacceptable,” the statement read.
When Will Corps Members Receive Their Allowance?
As pressure mounts on the government to fulfill its promise, analysts suggest that transparency in communication and prompt action will be key in restoring trust and confidence among affected individuals.
Meanwhile, corps members and the general public will be closely monitoring the situation, hoping that this latest assurance translates into actual disbursement in the coming weeks.
The big question remains: Will the NYSC backlog finally be paid soon, or will corps members have to wait even longer? Only time will tell.
