The Abia State Government has approved a substantial 1,150 per cent increase in the monthly allowance of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state. Under the new structure, sanctioned by Governor Alex Otti, the allowance rises from ₦4,000 to between ₦20,000 and ₦50,000, depending on the corps members’ place of primary assignment.
Announcing the development in Umuahia on Friday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Njoku Ukoha, said the decision reflects the administration’s commitment to youth welfare and human capital development.
According to Mr. Ukoha, all corps members will now receive a base allowance of ₦20,000. Those posted to government establishments will earn an additional ₦10,000, bringing their total to ₦30,000. Corps members serving in teaching and medical fields will receive a further ₦20,000 as special incentives, raising their total monthly allowance to ₦50,000.
“The governor believes in rewarding hard work and dedication. Corps members have played vital roles in education, medicine, and engineering across Abia State, and this increment is a token of our appreciation,” Mr. Ukoha stated.
He noted that the gesture aligns with the Otti administration’s broader reforms to enhance working conditions across sectors. Earlier, the government renovated the NYSC Orientation Camp in Umuna, Bende Local Government Area, including the repair of internal roads, installation of new power infrastructure, and refurbishment of camp buildings.
Mr. Ukoha also highlighted that Governor Otti’s administration recently approved the implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for state and local government health workers to ensure parity with their federal counterparts.
He further disclosed that 35 per cent of the state’s 2025 budget has been allocated to health and education—two critical sectors underpinning the government’s agenda for a stronger and more equitable Abia.
Citing the example of Mr. Benson Ojeikere, a former NYSC member who rose through the ranks to become the current Head of Service, Mr. Ukoha said the state continues to value and nurture young talent.
He concluded that the wage review underscores the administration’s vision to strengthen public institutions and improve the welfare of corps members serving in Abia State.
