The Federal Government has assured members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) that they will receive the backlog of their newly approved N77,000 monthly allowance, despite months of delay.
Additionally, the government dismissed reports of any disciplinary action against Corps member Ushie Uguamaye, who recently criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on social media.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, reaffirmed the government’s commitment during a national television program monitored in Lagos.
“The backlog will be processed and paid. It may not happen immediately, but it will be done. The new DG has assured Corps members, and for those completing their service, we have their details,” Olawande stated.
The government announced the upward review of Corps members’ allowances in September last year, raising it from N33,000 to N77,000 in line with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024. However, six months later, the increased payment is yet to be implemented.
Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, Director General of the NYSC, assured last week that payments would commence this month. Olawande echoed this, citing administrative and budgetary processes as the reason for the delay.
“I have explained this multiple times—salary payments must be included in the budget before they can be disbursed. When the president announced the increase, it was not initially in the budget. Now, the necessary approvals have been secured,” he explained.
According to the minister, the budgetary allocation has now been finalized, approved, and signed, allowing payments to begin.
On the issue of Ushie Uguamaye, Olawande dismissed claims that she was being threatened or facing disciplinary action over her remarks.
“There is no threat against her. No panel has been set up, and she will not face any disciplinary process,” he assured.
The minister emphasized that young people and all Nigerians have the right to freedom of expression.
“President Tinubu has faced various criticisms. Citizens should not be afraid to voice their concerns if they are dissatisfied with any situation in the country,” Olawande added.
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