FG Begins N44,000 Arrears Payment to Ex-Corps Members – What You Need to Know About the NYSC Minimum Wage Update

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially begun disbursing N44,000 in minimum wage arrears to former members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). This development comes as a welcome relief to thousands of ex-corps members who served the nation under challenging economic conditions and were affected by delays in the implementation of the revised corps members’ allowance.

If you’re a Nigerian graduate who recently completed the mandatory one-year NYSC program, or if you know someone who did, this is essential information. The payment is connected to the government’s earlier promise to increase the monthly stipend of corps members from N33,000 to N77,000, following growing demands for a more sustainable allowance amidst rising inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and economic pressures.

Let’s break down everything you need to know — including who is eligible, how much is being paid, when the increase started, how to confirm your eligibility, and the Federal Government’s official stance.

What Is the NYSC Minimum Wage Arrears About?

In March 2025, the Federal Government announced a significant increase in the monthly allowance of youth corps members from N33,000 to N77,000. This was part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader economic reforms aimed at alleviating the impact of high living costs on young Nigerians.

However, many corps members had already completed their service year before the announcement came into full effect. To address this, the government committed to paying arrears—a backlog payment to make up for the months corps members received the old amount when they should have been receiving the new one.

The arrears payment of N44,000 is designed to bridge that gap. According to government sources, this payment covers the months during which the affected corps members were supposed to receive the new N77,000 rate but instead were paid the previous N33,000.

When Did the New NYSC Allowance Take Effect?

Although the new NYSC allowance of N77,000 was officially confirmed in March 2025, the Federal Government announced that it would apply retroactively. This means it would affect corps members who had completed their service shortly before March, especially those who served during the last few months of 2024 and the early part of 2025.

The retroactive policy ensures that no corps member is unfairly excluded from benefiting from the increased allowance due to timing.

Who Is Eligible for the N44,000 NYSC Arrears?

The N44,000 payment is strictly for former corps members who:

Completed their NYSC service before March 2025, but within the period affected by the new payment adjustment.
Were still serving when the government approved the new N77,000 but finished service before implementation.
Had their bank account and personal details correctly documented during their service year.

If you fall into this category, chances are high that the money will be paid directly to your account.

FG Confirms Commitment to Full Arrears Payment

In a statement that has reassured thousands of ex-corps members, Brigadier General Olakunle Akinyemi Nafiu, the Director-General of NYSC, affirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to settling all outstanding payments.

He stated clearly:

“The government is committed to settling all outstanding arrears.”

He further explained that:

“Once funds are released, payments would be made directly to the bank accounts of eligible ex-corps members, whose details are already on file.”

This means there is no need to re-submit forms or visit any NYSC office. Payments are being processed automatically, and no third party is involved.

Former Corps Members Confirm Receipt of Payment

Reports are already pouring in from across the country that ex-corps members have started receiving their N44,000 arrears.

On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), several beneficiaries have shared screenshots and heartfelt messages expressing gratitude and relief. Some users tweeted:

“I just got my N44,000 alert from NYSC. This money came at the right time. Thank you FG!”
“It may have taken a while, but at least they paid us. N44k is something in this economy.”
“NYSC don try o. I wasn't expecting this alert. Thank God.”

These posts have gone viral and generated discussions around the government’s handling of youth welfare and promises.

Why This Payment Matters in Today’s Nigeria

The issue of minimum wage and youth empowerment has remained a top priority in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, especially under President Tinubu’s administration. With rising inflation, food insecurity, unemployment, and the removal of fuel subsidies, young Nigerians have found it increasingly difficult to survive on stagnant wages and stipends.

The NYSC, established in 1973 to promote national unity and service, remains one of Nigeria’s most recognized youth institutions. But over the years, many have criticized the government for neglecting the welfare of serving corps members — especially when their monthly allowance did not reflect economic realities.

The new N77,000 allowance, although a massive leap, is seen as a partial victory in the fight for better youth welfare. The N44,000 arrears payment proves that the government is, at least in part, acknowledging its responsibility to fulfill promises.

What You Should Do If You Haven’t Received Payment Yet

If you are a former corps member who believes you are eligible but have not received the N44,000 yet, here are some steps you can take:

Verify your eligibility – Confirm you served within the period that qualifies for the arrears.
Check your bank account – Ensure the account you registered with NYSC is still active.
Avoid scammers – NYSC and the Federal Government have not asked anyone to pay fees to receive arrears.
Wait patiently – Payments are being made in batches, and delays are possible due to administrative processes.
Follow NYSC official channels – Check updates via the NYSC website or verified X (Twitter) handle for the latest information.

Conclusion: A Step in the Right Direction

While there is still a long way to go in improving the welfare of Nigerian youths, the payment of N44,000 in NYSC arrears shows that some efforts are being made. It’s a small but significant step, especially in an era where government promises are often left unfulfilled.

As ex-corps members across the country receive their payments, it is a reminder that advocacy works and that Nigerian youths deserve to be heard, respected, and compensated fairly.

At NaijaRush.com, we’ll continue to monitor this story and bring you verified updates. If you’ve received your NYSC arrears or are still waiting, feel free to share your experience in the comments or tag us on social media.

Have you received your NYSC arrears yet? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to share this article with fellow ex-corps members!