Abia State Governor Alex Otti has approved a major increase in the monthly allowances for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state, boosting payments from ₦4,000 to as much as ₦50,000.
Under the new arrangement, all corps members in Abia will receive a base allowance of ₦20,000. Those deployed to state government offices will earn an additional ₦10,000, while medical and teaching corps members will get an extra ₦30,000 per month.
The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Njoku Ukoha. He said the increment complements the Federal Government’s new monthly NYSC allowance of ₦77,000 and forms part of Governor Otti’s broader strategy to boost youth empowerment and strengthen public sector capacity in the state.
“This marks the first major adjustment in 27 years and reflects Governor Otti’s commitment to workforce development and youth empowerment in Abia,” Ukoha said.
The statement highlighted ongoing support for corps members, including the renovation of the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende LGA, road improvements, installation of power infrastructure, and upgrades to camp facilities—even though the camp is federal property. “Governor Otti believes every institution in Abia, federal or state-owned, deserves attention because Abians are the ultimate beneficiaries,” Ukoha added.
The reforms also extend to the healthcare sector, with the Consolidated Health Salary Structure recently implemented for state health workers and local government employees, aligning their pay with federal standards. The state allocates about 35 per cent of its budget to healthcare and education, which it considers critical to human capital development.
According to the statement, the allowance increase is intended to make service in Abia more rewarding and to encourage young professionals to contribute meaningfully to the state’s growth. “Governor Otti’s move sends a clear message: Abia State is committed to empowering youth, rewarding excellence, and building a future where service is truly valued,” it said.
With the new allowances, Abia now ranks among the states offering the highest monthly stipends to NYSC members. For comparison, Adamawa State recently raised its NYSC allowance from ₦20,000 to ₦30,000, as announced by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri during the swearing-in of 2025 Batch B Stream I corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Damare, Girei LGA. “We are committed to improving the welfare of corps members and creating a supportive environment for your service,” Fintiri said.