By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
(C) Google.
It was a festival of joy, impromptu dance moves, and sudden generosity at various banks across Kogi State as corps members received alerts confirming their new allowance of N77,000.
Our correspondent reports that before now, corps members in Nigeria received a modest N33,000 monthly, which barely stretched beyond a few trips to the market and some “manage yourself” meals.
However, following the federal government’s increase to N77,000 in September 2024, reality has finally caught up with their expectations.
At the NYSC Secretariat along Okene-Kabba Road, Lokoja, The Reporters observed a mix of emotions—some corps members stared at their phones repeatedly, as if afraid the bank might change its mind, while others were already making mental calculations for long-overdue luxuries like proper protein in their meals.
Samaila Mohammed, a corps member serving in Lokoja, expressed his relief, saying, “This new allowance is a lifesaver! I was getting tired of swallowing more air than rice. Now, I can eat with dignity.”
He added, “We got the March allowance, but they promised the arrears will follow soon.
Miss Agnes Alabi, another corps member, could not contain her excitement.
“Finally, I can afford more than just garri and groundnut! At least, I can eat good food, take care of myself, and even send something to my parents—so they won’t keep thinking NYSC is just an extended suffering scheme,” she joked.
As the celebrations continue, one thing is clear: with N77,000 in their pockets, corps members in Kogi are stepping into a new era—one where they might just afford to add meat to their meals without borrowing.
