Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has approved a major increase in the monthly allowance of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state, from N4,000 to as much as N50,000.
According to a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Njoku Ukoha, the new structure introduces a N20,000 base allowance for all corps members posted to Abia State. Those serving in state government establishments will receive an additional N10,000, while corps members deployed to teaching and medical roles will earn an extra N30,000.
Ukoha noted that the increment is separate from the recently approved N77,000 monthly federal allowance for corps members. He described the adjustment as the first in 27 years, reflecting Governor Otti’s commitment to youth empowerment and strengthening key public sectors such as health and education.
The statement also highlighted the administration’s efforts to improve the welfare of corps members, including ongoing renovations at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende Local Government Area, internal road upgrades, enhanced power supply, and modernized camp facilities, despite the camp being federal property.
“Governor Otti believes that any institution or infrastructure within Abia, whether state or federal, deserves proper attention because it ultimately benefits Abians,” Ukoha added.
The governor’s aide further recalled that Otti’s administration had earlier implemented the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for state and local government health workers, aligning their pay with federal standards.
Currently, about 35 percent of Abia’s annual budget is dedicated to education and healthcare, sectors the administration describes as “pillars of institutional strength and human capital development.”
With the new allowance structure, Abia now ranks among the top-paying states for corps members in Nigeria. For instance, Adamawa State recently raised its corps members’ stipends from N20,000 to N30,000.
Governor Otti’s policy, according to the statement, is designed to make national service more rewarding and encourage young professionals to contribute to the state’s growth.
“Abia is serious about empowering its youth, rewarding excellence, and building a future where service truly counts,” Ukoha stated.
