Governor Alex Otti of Abia State
Abia State Governor Alex Otti’s decision to raise the NYSC corps members’ allowance has sparked reactions online. The increase raises the base monthly stipend from ₦4,000 to ₦20,000, with additional payments for specific deployments: ₦10,000 for those in state government establishments and ₦30,000 for medical and teaching personnel.
The move complements the Federal Government’s recent ₦77,000 monthly NYSC allowance and is part of the governor’s broader initiatives aimed at empowering youth and enhancing public sector capacity. A statement from the Chief Press Secretary, Njoku Ukoha, said the increase “marks the first major adjustment after 27 years” and reflects Otti’s commitment to strengthening human capacity in Abia.
While some corps members welcomed the hike as a morale boost amid rising living costs, others questioned its fairness. Peter Josh, serving in another state, said his ₦5,000 allowance comes with strict rules that often delay payment. Critics have also raised political concerns, suggesting the timing aligns with Otti’s nearing tenure.
The state government highlighted its ongoing support for corps members, including renovations at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende and improvements to roads and power infrastructure, to make service more rewarding and encourage youth contribution to Abia’s development.
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