The NYSC program in Nigeria sends young graduates for one year of compulsory service across the country for the sake of national unity. The monthly allowance, which already has some discussions driving among corps members, has been pegged at N33,000 ($43) in the meantime, an amount that has been constant for a long period.
NYSC Allowance
The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, therefore, was an agency in Nigeria created to help foster the country into oneness and development by posting graduate youths throughout the nation for one service year.
An important aspect of the scheme is the monthly allowance that the corps members are entitled to, popularly known among them as “allawee.”.
It is presently N33,000, approximately 43 dollars, and this has come to represent “the buzz” among corps members, particularly in the light of the current economic realities of Nigeria.
While this is the case, some corps members have been urging the government to reconsider an increment to meet their allowance with the just-approved minimum wage of N70,000 for federal workers.
They have insisted that the allowance be increased as they serve actively in contributing to national development.
Types of NYSC Allowances
The National Youth Service Corps allows its members numerous allowances, which help to meet the basic needs of the serving corps member within the active year of service. The primary types of NYSC allowances include:
Monthly Allowance
- This is the most frequent type of allowance given to NYSC members.
- It is paid monthly to Carter for the living expenses of the serving corps member.
- The amount, however, might change with respect to the present economic condition and the government policy.
Other Allowances
- Apart from the monthly allowance, NYSC members will be entitled to other allowances in certain circumstances, including but not limited to:
- Transport Allowance: It shall be made available to cover journeys embarked upon to perform any NYSC assignment.
- Feeding Allowance: It shall be provided for, during orientation camps or special assignments.
- Medical Allowance: It shall be paid as compensation for medical attention while serving.
- Accommodation Allowance: This will be available in situations where members are not accommodated.
How to get the NYSC Allowance?
Although the process of NYSC allowance online may change over time, below is how the order of the steps usually involves:
- Visit the official NYSC portal, nysc.gov.ng, and register yourself—if you haven’t done so.
- Simply follow the instructions that will be given to you to verify your account.
- Be rest assured that you used the correct and updated profile information, including that of your bank account.
- Ensure you regularly check the NYSC portal or your email in order to know if there is news concerning the payment of the allowance.
- NYSC usually pays its allowances directly into the bank accounts of members.
- In case of any problem or if you have any questions about your allowance, feel free to reach out to the NYSC support team using the contact provided on the official portal.
Amount of the NYSC Allowance
The amount of NYSC allowee has been subjected to a series of adjustments to meet existing economic realities and government policy changes over the years.
- Initial allowance: The initial allowance was N19,800 in 2020.
- Increase to N33,000: Following the new arrangement of minimum wage at N30,000, the NYS allowance was increased to N33,000.
- There have been predominant discussions with the aim of increasing the NYSC allowance to enable corps members to be considered worthy of properly supporting their year of service.
Calls for Increase and Differential Allowances
It is changing with calls being made for a more flexible, fair, and appropriate allowance structure in line with the emerging economic status of Nigeria.
- Calls for increased allowance: Corps members have urged the government through the NYSC to increase the allowance to the newly approved minimum wage of N70,000.
- Allowances increase: They feel that since they put in their best and into national development, they should be given revised allowance, taking into consideration the economic realities of the country.
- Differential Allowances: Some propose that there be an allowance system that will be commensurate with factors like the cost of living, security situation, and nature of work.
- Advantages of differential allowances: Such a system can reward corps members who serve in difficult areas or vital sectors, such as education and health.