#77, 000 : ALSO PAY ARREARS – MIXED REACTIONS AS CORPS MEMBERS BEGS NYSC.
N77000 – The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has sparked widespread discussion following a recent announcement by its new Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu.
He promised that the long-delayed new minimum wage of N77000 would finally be paid to corps members starting March 2025.
This follows months of anticipation after the Federal Government approved the wage hike in July 2024, aligning it with the national minimum wage of N70,000.
The news, shared on X by the official NYSC handle @officialnyscng on March 20, 2025, has elicited mixed reactions from corps members nationwide. While some celebrate the increase from the current N33,000 stipend, others remain skeptical due to past delays.
Below, we explore the announcement and corps members’ responses, highlighting the buzz on social media.
NYSC’s New DG Commits to Minimum Wage Payment
Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, who assumed office as the 23rd NYSC Director General on March 6, 2025, made the pledge during an interactive session with corps members in Abuja.
He assured them that the scheme, in collaboration with the Federal Government, would begin disbursing the N77000 allowance in March.
This move addresses the prolonged wait since the wage increment was approved, a delay that frustrated many corps members. Nafiu emphasized NYSC’s commitment to their welfare, stating, “With effect from March, you are going to receive the sum of Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira as your monthly allowance. NYSC is good at record-keeping, and I can assure you that your money will be paid.”
Background of the Minimum Wage Delay
The journey to this announcement began in July 2024 when President Bola Tinubu signed the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act, raising the baseline wage to N70,000. NYSC followed with an announcement in September 2024, promising corps members N77000, including an additional 10% stipend.
However, as of February 2025, payments remained at N33,000, sparking outrage and skepticism. The 2025 budget, with N430.7 billion allocated to NYSC, including N372.9 billion for allowances, renewed hope. Nafiu’s recent commitment has now set a firm timeline, but corps members’ reactions vary widely.
Corps Members React on X
The announcement quickly trended on X, with corps members voicing excitement, doubt, and cautious optimism.
Below are some of their responses, reflecting the diverse sentiments.
@BomeHardo : “Finally, some good news! N77k will help a lot, but I’ll believe it when I see the alert. NYSC has disappointed us before.”
@RayeUshie : “N77000 in March? Better late than never, but this government needs to do more. N33k was a joke with this inflation.”
@CorperTunde : “Big win for us! N77k means I can save a little after transport and feeding. Thank you, new DG!”
@ZakaDeborah : “I’m happy, but why March? We’ve been struggling since last year. NYSC should pay arrears too.”
@NyscVibes: “N77000? I’ll only celebrate when it hits my account. FG and NYSC have a habit of delaying things.”
Nigeria’s inflation rate, hovering around 33%, has made the N33,000 stipend inadequate for corps members’ basic needs like food and transportation.
The promise of N77000 offers relief, but the delay has fueled distrust. Many corps members, posted to remote areas, spend heavily on survival, making the wage hike a critical issue. The mixed reactions reflect both hope for financial ease and frustration with the timing.
Positive Sentiments Emerge
Some corps members see the announcement as a step forward.
@OmoObaNike tweeted, “N77k will change the game for me. I can finally plan something after service!”
@ChidiCorper wrote, “Shoutout to the new DG! This N77000 will boost our morale.”
Skepticism and Criticism Persist
Not everyone is convinced.
@LolaTheCorper posted, “March is tomorrow in government time. I’m not holding my breath for this N77k.”
@AhmedNYSC added, “N77,000 is great, but what about the arrears from July? FG owes us!”
Implications for NYSC and Corps Members
The N77000 allowance, if implemented, will mark a 133% increase from N33,000, aligning with the minimum wage policy. This could improve corps members’ welfare and morale, as Nafiu noted.
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® Jukwese N’Ihe
