The Federal Government has assured members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) that they will receive the delayed payment of their newly approved N77,000 monthly allowance.
News About Nigeria reports that after the long wait, officials have confirmed that the process for the disbursement is now complete.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, gave the update while speaking on a television programme in Lagos.
He explained that the delay was due to administrative and budgetary processes, as the new allowance was not initially included in the budget when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the increase last September.
However, he reassured Corps members that the necessary approvals have now been secured, and payment will commence soon.
The allowance was raised from N33,000 to N77,000 in line with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.
However, six months after the announcement, Corps members are still waiting for the new payments.
Last week, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, the Director General of the NYSC, stated that the disbursement would begin this month.
Olawande confirmed this, stating that the government has completed all required steps, and the funds will soon be released.
Addressing concerns over a Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, who had criticized President Tinubu on social media, Olawande dismissed reports that she was facing disciplinary action.
He clarified that no panel had been set up against her and that she was not under any threat.
He also reaffirmed that all Nigerians have the right to express their opinions freely without fear.
The Minister acknowledged that public officials, including the President, often face criticism and stated that young people should not be afraid to speak up about issues affecting them.
He assured that no action would be taken against Uguamaye for her comments.
