The federal government has announced the approval of an increase in the NYSC monthly allowance from N33,000 to N77,000, which will take effect from July.

The information was disclosed in a statement by the acting director of information and public relations of NYSC, Caroline Embu, on Wednesday.

Ms Embu revealed that the approval was contained in a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), dated September 25, 2024, and signed by the chairman, Ekpo Nta, in line with the enactment of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.

“Prior to this, the Director General, NYSC, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, had paid an advocacy visit to the Chairman, in which he solicited a robust welfare package for Corps Members.”

“The NYSC Boss is thankful to the Federal Government for the timely gesture and is optimistic that it will not only bring much-needed succour to the Corps Members but also boost their morale and motivate them to do even more in their service to the nation,” Ms Embu stated.

President Bola Tinubu, on July 29, approved the new minimum wage after a series of negotiations between the government, the Nigerian Labour Congress, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which were also accompanied by strikes and protests.

Historically, the NYSC allowance has kept pace with minimum wage increases, reflecting a commitment to corps members’ welfare.

For instance, in 2020, the NYSC allowance was also increased from N19,800 to N33,000 months after a new minimum wage bill of N30,000 was signed.