The Federal Government has commenced payment of ₦44,000 in minimum wage arrears to former members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, fulfilling a long-standing commitment tied to the increase in corps members’ monthly stipends.
The disbursement comes months after the government announced an upward revision of the NYSC allowance from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000. While current corps members have since begun receiving the revised amount, ex-corps members who completed their service before the new policy took effect had been waiting for arrears owed to them.
Now, those arrears are being paid out, and many ex-corps members have taken to social media to celebrate. On X (formerly Twitter), beneficiaries shared screenshots of credit alerts and expressed gratitude for the fulfillment of the pledge.
One user, @Kingpin_black1, tweeted: “Thank you NYSC. Thank you President Tinubu. Nigeria will be great again.” Another, @pharmacist_shezzy, wrote: “44k don land. NYSC no carry last. God bless Nigeria 🇳🇬.” Similarly, @ifeoluwa_X posted: “Just got my alert. I almost deleted my NYSC account. Thank you FG.”
The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, in collaboration with the NYSC Directorate, has confirmed that the payments are part of a phased process to ensure that all affected ex-corps members receive their due benefits.
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An official from the ministry, who asked not to be named, noted: “This payment reflects the government’s commitment to honouring promises made to Nigerian youths. We are aware of the financial pressures former corps members face after service, and this support will go a long way.”
The disbursement is also being seen as a positive signal of the government’s intent to build trust with young Nigerians, many of whom are disillusioned by years of unfulfilled pledges. Analysts say this move could help restore some faith in public institutions, especially among the youth demographic.
While there has been widespread appreciation for the gesture, a few ex-corps members have called for greater transparency in the payment process and urged the NYSC to issue a clear timeline for when all beneficiaries can expect their funds.
In the meantime, excitement continues to grow as more beneficiaries confirm they have received their ₦44,000. The move, according to policy experts, demonstrates the government’s recognition of youth contributions and could bolster morale among future corps members.
For now, it seems the FG’s attempt to balance wage adjustments with fiscal responsibility has earned it a rare wave of public goodwill.
NAN
