FG Commences Payment Of N44,000 Minimum Wage Arrears To Ex-Corps Members
The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun disbursing N44,000 in minimum wage arrears to former members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), fulfilling a pledge tied to the recent increase in corps members’ monthly allowance. The adjustment, which saw the stipend rise from N33,000 to N77,000, was implemented earlier this year, and the arrears cover those who completed their mandatory one-year service before the new rate took effect.
The payments, confirmed by multiple sources, mark a significant step in addressing the financial expectations of ex-corps members following the approval of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024. This legislation, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024, raised the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000, with a corresponding uplift for NYSC allowances. The arrears, amounting to N44,000 per individual, reflect the difference owed for the months served under the previous rate.
Former corps members have taken to social media platform X to express their delight and gratitude. One user, @Kingpin_black1, posted, “Thank you, NYSC. Thank you, President Tinubu. Nigeria will be great again.” Another, @pharmacist_shezzy, shared, “N44k don land. NYSC no carry last. God bless Nigeria.” Similarly,
@ifeoluwa_X wrote, “Just got my alert. I almost deleted my NYSC account. Thank you, FG.”
The rollout of the payments, which began on 3 June 2025, has sparked widespread excitement, with many praising the move as a sign of the government’s commitment to accountability and youth welfare. The NYSC and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development have yet to release an official statement on the total number of beneficiaries or the disbursement schedule, but reports indicate the process is being handled in batches, with funds credited directly to ex-corps members’ bank accounts.
The delay in implementing the new N77,000 allowance, which took effect in March 2025, had caused frustration among corps members, with some voicing disappointment online and at NYSC events. However, the commencement of arrears payments has been hailed as a positive development. “This is a game-changer for us,” said Adebola Yusuf, a former corps member who served in Osun State, in a recent interview.
The Federal Government’s action aligns with its broader efforts to improve living standards amid economic challenges, following the minimum wage hike. As the disbursements continue, ex-corps members and Nigerians alike are hopeful this signals a renewed focus on supporting the nation’s youth.
