Governor Alex Otti Increases NYSC Members’ Allowance in Abia to ₦50,000

In a landmark move to support young Nigerians in service, Abia State Governor Alex Otti has approved a significant increase in the monthly allowance of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state — raising it from ₦4,000 to as much as ₦50,000.

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

According to the statement, the new payment structure introduces a ₦20,000 base allowance for all corps members serving in Abia State.

Beyond this, those deployed to state government establishments will receive an extra ₦10,000, while medical and teaching corps members will earn an additional ₦30,000, bringing their total monthly allowance to ₦50,000.

“In addition to the Federal Government’s increased monthly NYSC allowance of ₦77,000, all corps members serving in Abia State will now earn a base monthly allowance of ₦20,000,” Ukoha stated.
“Those serving within state government establishments, and specifically teaching and medical personnel, will earn an additional ₦10,000 and ₦30,000 respectively to motivate them and bridge the human capacity gap created by decades of neglect.”

A 27-Year-Old Adjustment

Ukoha noted that this is the first major increment in 27 years, describing it as a reflection of Governor Otti’s commitment to youth empowerment and workforce development.

The statement added that the new allowance complements ongoing reforms to improve working conditions across the state’s public sector.

Investing in Youth and Infrastructure

Governor Otti’s administration has also undertaken extensive upgrades at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende Local Government Area, including road rehabilitation, installation of new power systems, and modernized facilities — even though the camp is federal property.

“The governor believes that every institution or infrastructure within Abia, whether federal or state-owned, deserves attention because Abians benefit the most,” Ukoha emphasized.

In addition, the state recently implemented the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers and extended it to local government employees, aligning salaries with federal standards.

Focus on Education and Healthcare

The statement revealed that 35% of Abia’s 2025 budget is dedicated to healthcare and education, sectors described by the administration as “pillars of institutional capacity and human capital development.”

“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,” Ukoha said.

With this increment, Abia now ranks among the states offering the highest NYSC stipends in Nigeria — ahead of Adamawa State, which recently raised its corps members’ allowance from ₦20,000 to ₦30,000.

The decision has been widely praised as a bold step toward motivating young professionals and attracting skilled graduates to contribute to the state’s growth.