The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has assured corps members that their monthly stipend of ₦33,000 will be increased once the Federal Government implements the new minimum wage. This assurance was given by the NYSC Director General, Yusha’u Ahmed, during his visit to address the 2024 Batch ‘B’ stream two corps members at orientation camps in Kebbi and Sokoto states on Tuesday.
Ahmed highlighted the invaluable contributions of corps members to Nigeria’s socio-economic development, urging them to utilize their service year to develop themselves and plan for a successful future. He emphasized the importance of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program, encouraging corps members to learn a skill that could enable them to create jobs rather than seeking employment.
“At least, learn a skill while in camp and after the Orientation Course, you continue with the post-camp training. Try to acquire a skill that would enable you to create jobs and employ others instead of searching for jobs. We have many ex-Corps members across the country who are doing well in their different vocations today,” Ahmed said.
The NYSC DG also mentioned that the scheme has partnered with various organizations such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Industry, Unity Bank, Access Bank, and the NNPC Foundation, which provide loans and grants to support corps members in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
In terms of safety, Ahmed assured corps members that they would be posted to secure locations throughout their service year but advised them to remain vigilant in their surroundings.
In Kebbi, the NYSC Coordinator, Aghata Banki-Okolo, reported that corps members have adapted well to camp life and are actively participating in all camp activities. She noted that a total of 1,195 corps members had been registered, including 1,077 in Kebbi and 118 dislodged from Zamfara State due to security concerns.
Similarly, in Sokoto, NYSC Coordinator Yakubu Usman praised the corps members for their discipline and quick adaptation to the camp environment. He reported that the total number of corps members in Sokoto is 1,488, comprising 682 males and 806 females. This figure includes 200 corps members displaced from Zamfara due to security threats.
The assurance of an increased stipend comes after the organized labor sector agreed to a new minimum wage of ₦70,000 in July following negotiations with the Federal Government.
