Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has approved an increase in monthly allowances for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the state, raising the payment “from N4,000 to as much as N50,000.”

The new allowance structure provides a N20,000 base allowance for all corps members serving in Abia.

Plus this N20,000, those deployed to state government establishments will receive an additional N10,000, while medical and teaching corps members will earn an extra N30,000 monthly.

The approval was disclosed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Njoku Ukoha, on Friday.

“In addition to the Federal Government’s increased monthly NYSC allowance of N77,000, all corps members serving in Abia State will now earn a base monthly allowance of N20,000, while those serving within state government establishments, and specifically teaching and medical personnel, will earn an additional discriminatory allowance of N10,000 and N30,000, respectively to motivate interested corp members, thereby bridging the human capacity gap created by decades of neglect and attrition in both sectors,” the statement read.

Ukoha said the increment complements the Federal Government’s new N77,000 monthly NYSC allowance and forms part of the governor’s broader policy to strengthen youth empowerment and public sector capacity in Abia.

“This marks the first major adjustment after 27 years, reflecting Governor Otti’s commitment to youth empowerment and workforce development in Abia,” the statement said.

It added that Otti’s administration has consistently supported corps members by renovating the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende Local Government Area, improving internal roads, installing power infrastructure, and upgrading camp facilities — despite the camp being federal property.

“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 recalls that Otti’s government had also recently implemented the Consolidated Health Salary Structure for health workers across the state and extended it to local government employees, aligning their pay with federal standards to boost morale and productivity in the health sector.

According to the statement, about 35 per cent of the state’s budget is allocated to healthcare and education sectors, which the administration describes as “pillars of institutional capacity and human capital development.”

The governor said the reforms are designed to make service rewarding for corps members and to encourage young professionals to contribute meaningfully 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.

With the allowance increase, Abia State now ranks among the states with the highest monthly stipends for NYSC members.

On August 1, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, said he increased the monthly allowance of National Youth Service Corps members serving in the state from N20,000 to N30,000.

The governor made the announcement at the swearing-in ceremony for the 2025 Batch B Stream I corps members, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Damare, Girei Local Government Area.

“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,” the governor stated. (The PUNCH)