The approval of a 133% increase, in the monthly allowance of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, from N33,000 to N77,000, by the Federal Government, is a welcome development. We consider that good news for corps members, who are dedicating one year of their lives to serve their fatherland.

The argument by some that the increase is not enough, is also plausible, considering the cost of living. We believe the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, which has shown significant interest in the welfare of the Nigerian youths, would look into the merits of the argument for a further enhancement, in due course. Announcing the increase in the allowance, Caroline Embu, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations of the NYSC said: “The Federal Government has approved the increase of corps members’ monthly allowance to seventy-seven thousand Naira (N77,000) with effect from July 2024. This is in line with the enactment of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024”. She said the approval was communicated through a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, dated September 25, 2024, which was signed by the Chairman, Ekpo Nta.

We urge the authorities to ensure that the corps members entitled to the allowances from July 2024 get their due, even if some of them pass out before the implementation kicks off. If that assurance is given, those complaining now about the delay in its implementation would have little to worry about. Those benefiting from the primary posting of corps members should also be willing to supplement the allowances, by providing accommodation, transportation and security. They should ensure that the place of primary assignment is habitable and welcoming, considering that the corps members come from far- flung places, most times.

But while seeking for an enhanced welfare package for the corps members, it is also fair to expect greater dedication to national service from the participants. Every participant in the programme must appreciate the very essence of the scheme, which is “primarily to inculcate in Nigerian youths the spirit of selfless service to the community, and to emphasise the spirit of oneness and brotherhood of all Nigerians, irrespective of cultural or social background.”

The scheme was established after the Nigerian civil war, essentially to bridge the ethnic and cultural divides, that must have contributed to the unfortunate war. The corps members have over the years also bridged the shortage of manpower, especially in the remote parts of the country where job seekers may not want to work.

Over the years, there are schools, hospitals and other social institutions which rely mainly on the corps members for their manpower needs. As one batch is leaving, another is replacing, and with a few permanent members of the staff, quality services are rendered to the community. There are also instances where corps members choose to stay put in their places of primary assignment after the one-year service.

So, the NYSC scheme has been very helpful in forging national unity. But some participants have paid the supreme sacrifice due to the burgeoning insecurity that plague many parts of the country. Indeed, many parents have resisted posting of their wards to parts of the country where insecurity has overwhelmed communities and security agencies. While we support the scheme, we agree with dissenters that when the security of lives of participants are concerned, every precautionary measure must be taken to avoid any casualty. Considering the enormous benefits of the NYSC scheme and the state of the national economy, enhancing the well-being of the participants through increased allowance is a worthy venture. While not advocating for a salary due to a graduate, we support periodic increase in allowance, otherwise, it will be a case of parents of participants paying subvention to the nation for national service. (Nation Editorial)