NYSC Minimum Wage Arrears Payment
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, has now addressed the complaints about minimum wage arrears from corps members. Because of the discovery, corps members can understand that the unpaid wages from the 2019 national minimum wage increase will not be disbursed to them.
What Sparked the NYSC Arrears Debate?
Many corps members and former members began calling for minimum wage arrears on social media which led to the uproar. These groups insisted that, as the Federal Government only put the ₦30,000 minimum wage into effect in 2019, backpay should be provided to all those corps members mobilized prior to 2019.
People have often mentioned the difference in pay before and after the wage increase which has led to many wanting NYSC to cover those differences with arrears. The problem continues and there have been frequent pleas from the scheme’s leaders for further clarification.
What the NYSC DG Said About Minimum Wage Arrears
When speaking at a press conference on June 1, 2025, DG Yusha’u Ahmed said that no graduates will receive any arrears after their mandatory national service is complete.
There is no plan in the law for how to handle arrears. The National Youth Service Corps does not have to pay corps members wages following the new minimum wage changes. After getting approval for the new allowance, Ahmed continued to receive the payment.”NYSC Minimum Wage Arrears Payment
He stated that because corps members are not government employees in the same way as civil servants, they are not eligible for cash bonuses for past work.NYSC Minimum Wage Arrears Payment
Public Reactions to the Announcement
There was a wide range of reactions when the DG made his statement online.
On Twitter:
“We spent our war years fighting for our country and today they say we deserve nothing.” Sadly, that happens.” – @CorperTruth
It makes sense what the DG says, but it is still not what we hoped. The country should make more efforts to support the youth.” – @EagleVision_NG
On Reddit:
“The action fits within public service rules. Nobody goes to NYSC for a job; they do it as their national service. Individuals should be aware of the important difference.” – r/Nigeria
Facebook Comments:
While many were upset, people said they understood the scheme isn’t legally bound to pay arrears unless the budget can cover them.NYSC Minimum Wage Arrears Payment
Mostly, people feel let down and accept that it won’t get better any time soon, particularly those who thought the new leaders could help with their visas.
What Corps Members Can Expect Now
Though there are outstanding sondu delays, corps members are still getting the normal monthly allowance of ₦33,000, according to minimum wage rules. Still, many people are waiting for a fresh rise in the new year, after President Bola Tinubu’s plans to reform the economy.NYSC Minimum Wage Arrears Payment
According to The Guardian Nigeria, the Federal Government is reviewing how to set the minimum wage and a fresh minimum wage structure might appear by the end of 2025. Should the policy not work out, stipends for volunteers could experience an adjustment, though a confirmation or timeline is not yet available. Source
A Final Word on the NYSC Minimum Wage Arrears Payment Issue
For now, both corps members and stakeholders should realize that the NYSC Federal Ministry does not have to pay core members’ minimum wage arrears and these payments are not legally required. The DG made their position known and no Federal Action or fund will likely lead to changes in the near future.
Still, Plan B could lead to bigger military stipends in the short term which could ease the current difficulties for personnel. Similar to before, corps members are suggested to check for updates on official NYSC website and sources from reputable media.NYSC Minimum Wage Arrears Payment
