Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has approved a sweeping upward review of monthly allowances for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state, increasing the payment from ₦4,000 to as much as ₦50,000.
9news Nigeria reports that the approval was disclosed on Friday, November 7, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Njoku Ukoha.
Ukoha noted that the increment is the first major adjustment in 27 years and aligns with Governor Otti’s broader vision to strengthen youth empowerment and improve public sector capacity in Abia.
According to the statement, all corps members serving in Abia will now receive a base monthly allowance of ₦20,000.
In addition to this base pay:
- Corps members posted to state government establishments will earn an extra ₦10,000.
- Teaching and medical corps members will receive an additional ₦30,000, bringing their total monthly allowance to ₦50,000.
“In addition to the Federal Government’s increased monthly NYSC allowance of ₦77,000, all corps members serving in Abia State will now earn a base monthly allowance of ₦20,000,” the statement reads.
It added that the discriminatory allowances were introduced “to motivate interested corps members, thereby bridging the human capacity gap created by decades of neglect and attrition in both sectors.”
Ukoha explained that the increment complements the Federal Government’s new ₦77,000 allowance and reflects Otti’s commitment to workforce development.
“This marks the first major adjustment after 27 years, reflecting Governor Otti’s commitment to youth empowerment and workforce development in Abia,” he said.
According to the CPS, the state government has consistently supported corps members, citing multiple improvements made at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende Local Government Area. The statement highlighted several interventions at the NYSC camp despite it being a federal facility.
These include:
- Renovation of hostels and camp facilities
- Improvement of internal roads
- Installation of power infrastructure
- Provision of essential amenities to enhance camp operations
“The governor believes that every institution or infrastructure within Abia, whether federal or state-owned, deserves attention because it is Abians who benefit the most,” Ukoha noted.
The CPS also recalled that Governor Otti recently implemented the Consolidated Health Salary Structure for health workers and extended it to local government employees, aligning their remuneration with federal standards.
He added that about 35 per cent of the state’s budget is currently allocated to the health and education sectors, described as “pillars of institutional capacity and human capital development.”
Ukoha stated that the reforms are aimed at making national service more rewarding while encouraging young professionals to contribute to Abia’s growth.
“Governor Otti’s latest move sends a clear message: Abia State is serious about empowering youth, rewarding excellence, and building a future where service is truly valued,” the statement added.
9news Nigeria reports that with the increase, Abia now ranks among states offering the highest monthly stipends to corps members.
This news platform recalls that Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri recently increased the monthly allowance for corps members in the state from ₦20,000 to ₦30,000, declaring his administration’s commitment to their welfare.
“As a government, we are committed to improving the welfare of corps members. This increment aligns with our promise to create a friendly and supportive atmosphere for you,” Fintiri said at the time.
Abia’s new allowance, however, places the state near the top of the national ladder in corps members’ welfare packages.
