FG asked to implement NYSC allowance increase as minister cautioned on Seyi Tinubu’s remark

The Federal Government has been called upon to implement the announced increase in the monthly allowance of National Youth Corps (NYSC) members.

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), which made the call in a statement on Sunday, criticized the Federal Government for failing to implement the upward review of NYSC members’ allowances, which was announced in September 2024.

HURIWA described the government’s prolonged inaction as unjust and deceptive, urging an immediate actualization of the promised policy to uphold the integrity of the NYSC scheme and ensure the welfare of Nigerian youths.

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The announcement, which raised corps members’ monthly stipends from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000, was widely welcomed as a significant step toward alleviating the financial burden faced by NYSC members during their mandatory year of national service. However, four months after the declaration, the government has yet to implement the policy, leaving corps members disillusioned and struggling to meet basic needs amid rising inflation.

In the statement signed by its coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA argued that the delay is a violation of trust, stating: “The NYSC should be an institution that embodies transparency and fairness. It is unacceptable for the Federal Government to announce an allowance increase only to leave corps members in a state of indefinite uncertainty. This failure undermines the credibility of the government and the institution, while subjecting thousands of young Nigerians to unnecessary hardship.”

HURIWA also emphasized the broader implications of the unfulfilled promise, emphasizing that the NYSC allowance is a critical support system for young Nigerians who dedicate a year of their lives to serving the nation. Many corps members rely on the stipend for transportation, accommodation, feeding, and other essential expenses during their service year.

“If they had no intention of paying the money, why announce it in the first place? This is a betrayal of trust. The ₦33,000 allowance barely covers transportation. How are they expected to survive? This delay shows how little the government values the NYSC scheme,” HURIWA frowned.

HURIWA also called on the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, to take decisive action in ensuring that the reviewed allowances are paid without further delay.

The organization urged the government to demonstrate genuine commitment to youth development by prioritizing policies that improve the lives of young Nigerians rather than making empty promises.

Furthermore, HURIWA criticized the Youth Minister’s alleged involvement in political conversations about Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, as a potential candidate for Lagos State Governor in 2027.

The association described the Minister’s remarks as a distraction from the pressing issues confronting Nigerian youths, including multidimensional poverty, unemployment, and lack of equal opportunities.

“The youths of Nigeria are besieged by harsh realities, including unemployment, insecurity, and the rising cost of living. Rather than focusing on addressing these challenges, the Minister of Youth Development is engaging in political campaigns for the President’s son. This is not only inappropriate but also deeply insensitive to the plight of millions of Nigerian youths,” HURIWA stated.

The organization urged the Minister to focus on his mandate of youth empowerment and development, noting that politicizing the youth agenda undermines public confidence in his leadership.

“The Minister’s primary responsibility is to champion the welfare and advancement of Nigerian youths, not to meddle in partisan politics. We demand that he redirects his energy toward addressing the urgent needs of the youth population,” HURIWA added.

HURIWA also emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, particularly in policies aimed at youth welfare. The association noted that the delay in implementing the new NYSC allowance raises questions about the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises and addressing the challenges faced by young Nigerians.