Backstory of NYSC allowance increment in Nigeria

Over the years, Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has made a number of changes to the monthly allowance (commonly known as the “allawee”) that corps members receive.

Gistreel had previously reported that the Federal Government just approved raising the NYSC corps members’ monthly allowance from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000.

The NYSC’s acting director of information and public relations, Caroline Embu, revealed this in a statement on Wednesday.

The allowance has been raised on occasion in accordance with changes in the minimum wage and the nation’s rate of inflation.

Here’s a detailed overview of how the NYSC allowance has changed:

1. Initial Allowance: When the NYSC was established in 1973, the monthly allowance for corps members was relatively modest. Initially, it was set at a mere ₦120 (approximately $0.30) per month, which was intended to cover basic living expenses during the one-year mandatory service.

2. Increment Over the Years: As inflation and the cost of living increased, the allowance was periodically reviewed. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, the NYSC allowance had increased to around ₦4,000 (approximately $10.50) monthly.

3. 2009 Adjustment: In 2009, the then-Minister of Youth Development, Bolaji Abdullahi, announced a significant increment, raising the monthly allowance to ₦7,500 (about $19).

This adjustment was part of a broader effort to improve the welfare of corps members and address the rising costs associated with living expenses.

4. 2016 Increase: Following discussions about the economic hardships faced by corps members, the allowance was raised again in 2016 to ₦19,800 (approximately $51). This increase was well-received, as it aimed to provide better financial support during the challenging period of national service.

5. 2022 Increase: In 2022, the NYSC allowance saw another increment to ₦33,000 (around $86). This change was made amid ongoing economic challenges and was part of efforts to enhance the welfare of corps members in light of rising costs.

6. Latest Increase:The federal government, on the 25th of September, 2024 approved an increase in the monthly allowance of corps members in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000.