Ex-corps members under the National Youth Service Corps scheme have started voicing concerns over the delayed payment of their outstanding arrears. Many have taken to social media platforms like Facebook to write open letters to the NYSC Director General, appealing for a resolution.
One former corps member shared, “Could you please provide information on the status of our 44k arrears?” Several posts have been sighted online with subjects such as “Appeal for Payment of NYSC Arrears Arising from the Implementation of the New Minimum Wage.” These letters seek clarity on when the balance will be paid following the new wage adjustment.
According to one open letter, “I served under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in Gombe State, February 15, 2024, to February 14, 2025. During the course of my service year, the Federal Government of Nigeria reached an agreement with organized labour to increase the national minimum wage to ₦70,000, from the previous ₦30,000. This new wage structure was officially implemented in July 2024, of which corps members’ allowance will increase from N33,000 to N77,000.”
While corps members received a ₦44,000 payment over the past two months, they say the outstanding balance remains unpaid. The affected batches are calling for the Federal Government’s immediate intervention, citing the current economic hardship, rising inflation, and the high cost of living in Nigeria as reasons for urgency.
Another letter read, “As corps members are considered government workers under the NYSC scheme, we had anticipated that this wage increment would apply to us as well. However, the arrears have not been fully paid. We trust in the Federal Government’s commitment to justice and youth empowerment and hope this appeal will receive favorable attention and prompt resolution.”
There are also unconfirmed reports suggesting that ex-corps members might receive the balance of their arrears by the end of the month. However, the NYSC management has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter.
For now, the important update is that the NYSC arrears payment process has not ended, and affected former corps members continue to wait for a final resolution. Many remain hopeful that the government will act swiftly to fulfill what they describe as a rightful entitlement owed to them after their national service year.