Some Nigerian graduates have shared possible reasons for the delay in implementing the new minimum wage within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
Many pointed out that, unlike other government parastatals, the NYSC is not a revenue-generating organization. As a result, the proposed N77,000 allowance must be incorporated into the agency’s budget before it can take effect.
In early January 2025, NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed announced in Abuja that corps members nationwide would soon begin receiving a monthly allowance of N77,000.
However, some Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have threatened legal action against the NYSC and its Director-General over the delay in implementing the minimum wage payment of N70,000 for corps members.
Others have taken to social media to accuse the NYSC Director-General of deliberately delaying the implementation of the new allowance, despite its approval in August 2024, describing it as an act of corruption within the scheme.
One Facebook user wrote: “Last weekend, the NYSC welcomed a new batch of Nigerian graduates for the compulsory national service. Meanwhile, more than six months have passed since the Federal Government approved N70,000 as the new allowance for corps members, yet the previous batch has not received it. There are growing concerns that officials are intentionally delaying the payment for the August batch until they complete their service, allowing them to divert the funds. If this isn’t corruption, I don’t know what else to call it.”
Expressing confidence in the Director-General, educational consultant Taiwo Victor, popularly known as Campusinfo, stated that the DG is following due process and should engage with the public to clarify the delay.
He said, “I believe the DG is adhering to the necessary procedures, as he stated. Government processes typically involve multiple stages, moving from one office to another and one table to the next. Since the new allowance has already been approved and signed into law, its implementation is inevitable. However, it will take time, as government operations generally follow a step-by-step process.”
He added, “That said, it’s crucial for the DG to continue engaging with the relevant authorities to ensure the process is expedited and that the payment is made as soon as possible. It’s really just a matter of time, but consistent effort from leadership will help make the journey smoother and faster.”
Also commenting, Isaac Olalekan, an educator and postgraduate student at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), said, “I’ve come to understand that the NYSC is not a revenue-generating organization like other parastatals. It’s not that the people being paid are bringing in millions every month. Unlike other organizations that generate revenue, the NYSC doesn’t have such resources. Therefore, it makes sense for the government to implement the new minimum wage for them.”
“There’s no doubt that it has been on paper since August 2024, but the federal government may not have released the funds for it yet. If they had, the DG wouldn’t be saying otherwise,” said Adewale.
He explained, “The only thing the federal government does is deposit money into the NYSC’s account. It doesn’t generate income for it. So, when you’re dealing with an organization that doesn’t bring in revenue, it’s difficult to suddenly raise the allowance from N33,000 to N77,000. That’s a huge increase.”
Adewale suggested that the new allowance will likely be reflected in the next budget, adding, “NYSC is facing financial struggles, which is why they haven’t been admitting as many new corps members recently.”
An anonymous source also shared, “President Bola Tinubu isn’t tolerating poor performance from government officials. He’s been firing many of them, and now all officials are on high alert.”
