The National Youth Service Corps has assured corps members that the N33,000 monthly stipends will be increased once the Federal Government implements the new minimum wage. The NYSC Director General, Yusha’u Ahmed, stated this on Tuesday when he was in Kebbi and Sokoto to address the 2024 Batch ‘B’ stream two corps members at the orientation camps in both states. He stated that corps members’ contributions to the country’s socio-economic development are invaluable, emphasising that members of the scheme should use their service year to develop themselves and plan for a brighter future. He urged corps members to take advantage of the NYSC skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development program.
The DG said, “At least, learn a skill while in camp and after the Orientation Course, you continue with the post-camp training. Try to acquire a skill that would enable you to create jobs and employ others instead of searching for jobs. We have many ex-Corps members across the country who are doing well in their different vocations today. “The NYSC Management has partnered with many reliable organizations like the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry, Unity Bank Access Bank, and NNPC Foundation among others, that have been assisting in giving loans and grants to Corps Members.” He assured corps members of their safety throughout their service year. He stated that campers would be posted to secure locations but advised them to stay vigilant in their surroundings.
Speaking, Aghata Banki-Okolo, the NYSC coordinator for Kebbi, observed that the corps members had acclimated well to camp life. “They are reacting well to all directions and activities during camp. Additionally, 240 camp officials have used emotional intelligence in the course of performing their responsibilities.”1,077 Corps Members from Kebbi and 118 who were expelled from Zamfara State make up the total number of registered Corps Members, according to her statement. Yakubu Usman, the NYSC coordinator for Sokoto, commended the corps members for their discipline and quick adjustment to the camp setting.
Usman mentioned that the total number of corps members in Sokoto is 1,488, including 682 males and 806 females, noting that this figure includes 134 males and 66 females who were displaced from Zamfara due to security threats. In July, the organized labour sector agreed to a minimum wage of N70,000 after negotiations with the federal government. The bill raising Nigeria’s minimum wage from N30,000 was passed by the National Assembly on July 23 and signed into law on July 29.