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Fg urged to implement nysc allowance increase as minister criticized for remarks on Seyi Tinubu
DDM News

The Federal Government has been urged to fulfill its promise of increasing the monthly allowance for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.
Diaspora digital media (DDM) revailed that this call was made by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) in a statement on Sunday, expressing disappointment over the government’s delay in implementing the announced increase.
HURIWA criticized the government for failing to act on the allowance review announced in September 2024, which would raise the monthly stipends for NYSC members from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000.
The association described the delay as unfair and misleading, calling for immediate action to honor the promise.
According to HURIWA, the failure to implement the new policy not only undermines the NYSC scheme but also disregards the welfare of young Nigerians who depend on the allowance to meet basic needs.
The increase in the NYSC monthly stipend was initially welcomed as a significant relief for corps members who face financial challenges during their mandatory year of service.
However, four months after the announcement, the government has yet to make good on its word, leaving corps members frustrated and struggling amidst rising living costs.
HURIWA described the inaction as a betrayal of trust, highlighting the urgent need for the government to prioritize the welfare of Nigerian youths.
In a statement signed by its coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA expressed its concerns about the prolonged inaction, stating:
“The NYSC scheme should represent transparency, fairness, and a commitment to supporting young Nigerians.
Announcing an allowance increase and failing to implement it sends the wrong message.
It damages the credibility of both the government and the NYSC institution while causing unnecessary hardship for thousands of young Nigerians.”
HURIWA emphasized that the allowance is critical to corps members, as many rely on it to cover transportation, accommodation, feeding, and other basic expenses throughout their service year.
The organization further questioned why the government made the announcement if it had no intention of following through.
“If the Federal Government had no plan to fulfill the promise, why raise the hopes of these young Nigerians?
The current allowance of ₦33,000 is barely enough to cover transportation costs, let alone other essential expenses.
How are corps members expected to survive?
This delay shows a lack of regard for the NYSC scheme and its importance,” HURIWA lamented.
The association also called on the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, to take immediate action to ensure the implementation of the revised allowance.
It urged the Minister to focus on concrete policies that improve the lives of young Nigerians instead of making empty promises.
HURIWA also criticized the Youth Minister’s alleged involvement in political discussions surrounding Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, and his potential candidacy for Lagos State Governor in 2027.
The association described the remarks as a distraction from the pressing challenges facing Nigerian youths, including unemployment, inflation, and insecurity.
“The reality for many Nigerian youths is one of hardship, marked by unemployment, insecurity, and the soaring cost of living.
Rather than addressing these critical issues, the Minister of Youth Development appears to be engaging in political discussions about the President’s son.
This is both inappropriate and insensitive to the struggles of millions of Nigerian youths,” the statement read.
HURIWA urged the Minister to refocus his energy on addressing the needs of the youth population and fulfilling his mandate of youth development and empowerment.
According to the group, politicizing the youth agenda undermines public trust in his leadership and shifts attention away from the real issues affecting Nigerian youths.
“The Minister’s primary duty is to advance the welfare and opportunities of Nigerian youths, not to promote partisan political interests.
We call on him to prioritize his responsibilities and tackle the pressing issues facing the youth population,” HURIWA stated.
The organization further highlighted the importance of accountability and transparency in governance, particularly in policies that affect youth welfare.
It noted that the delay in implementing the new NYSC allowance raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to its promises.
“The NYSC allowance is a vital support system for corps members who dedicate a year of their lives to national service.
The delay in implementing the increase reflects poorly on the government’s sincerity and ability to deliver on its promises.
Nigerian youths deserve better,” HURIWA added.
HURIWA called on the Federal Government to demonstrate its dedication to youth development by implementing the NYSC allowance increase without further delay.
It urged the government to avoid actions that erode public trust and to uphold the integrity of the NYSC scheme as an institution that supports the nation’s youth.
The association concluded by stressing that ensuring the welfare of corps members through the allowance increase is not just a matter of policy but also a step toward showing genuine commitment to addressing the challenges faced by young Nigerians.
It emphasized that failing to implement the promised policy risks further disillusionment among the country’s youth and jeopardizes the relevance of the NYSC scheme.
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