Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has approved a major upward review of monthly allowances for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state — increasing the payment from the previous N4,000 to up to N50,000.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Njoku Ukoha, the new allowance structure provides a N20,000 base payment for all corps members deployed to Abia. Those posted to state government agencies will earn an additional N10,000, while corps members serving in medical and teaching roles will receive an extra N30,000 every month.
The state government said the adjustment is designed to complement the Federal Government’s revised N77,000 monthly NYSC allowance, and aligns with Otti’s broader reforms aimed at strengthening youth empowerment and improving the public workforce.
“This is the first major adjustment in 27 years and reflects the governor’s commitment to developing young professionals and boosting institutional capacity across Abia,” the statement noted.
The government also highlighted recent improvements at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende, including rehabilitation of internal roads, better power supply, and upgraded facilities, despite the camp being a federal facility.
Ukoha emphasized that Governor Otti believes any infrastructure within Abia, whether owned by the state or the federal government, should serve the people effectively.
Beyond corps members, the administration has also implemented the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers across the state and extended the same to local government staff, aiming to improve motivation and service delivery.
About 35 percent of the state’s budget is currently dedicated to healthcare and education, sectors Otti describes as foundational to human capital and institutional development.
The statement concluded that the new allowance package sends a clear message that Abia State is committed to empowering youth, rewarding service, and building a strong future workforce.
