Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has approved a major upward review of the monthly allowance for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the state, increasing it from ₦4,000 to as much as ₦50,000.
According to a statement released on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Njoku Ukoha, the new structure introduces a ₦20,000 base allowance for all corps members posted to Abia.
Those serving in state government establishments will receive an additional ₦10,000, while corps members deployed to teaching and medical roles will earn an extra ₦30,000.
Ukoha explained that the increment is in addition to the recently approved ₦77,000 monthly NYSC allowance from the Federal Government.
The move, he said, reflects Governor Otti’s commitment to youth empowerment and capacity building within key public sectors such as health and education.
“This is the first major adjustment in 27 years, and it underscores the governor’s dedication to strengthening human capital and improving service delivery in Abia,” Ukoha noted.
The governor’s media aide also highlighted ongoing efforts by the administration to enhance the welfare of corps members in the state.
These include renovations at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende Local Government Area, upgrades to internal roads, improved power supply, and modernized camp facilities, all despite the camp being federal property.
“Governor Otti believes that any institution or infrastructure within Abia, whether owned by the state or federal government, deserves proper attention because it ultimately benefits Abians,” the statement added.
Otti’s government, Ukoha recalled, has also implemented the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for state and local government health workers, harmonizing their pay with federal standards.
About 35% of the state’s annual budget is currently devoted to the education and healthcare sectors, described by the administration as “pillars of institutional strength and human capital development.”
With the new allowance structure, Abia State now ranks among the top-paying states for NYSC members in Nigeria.
For comparison, DAILY GAZETTE previously reported that Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, in August, raised corps members’ stipends in his state from ₦20,000 to ₦30,000.
Governor Otti’s latest policy, according to the statement, aims to make service more rewarding and encourage young professionals to play an active role in Abia’s development.
“Abia is serious about empowering its youth, rewarding excellence, and building a future where service truly counts,” the statement concluded.
