By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has approved a significant upward review of monthly allowances for members of the National Youth Service Corps serving in the state, raising the payment “from ₦4,000 to as much as ₦50,000.”
Under the new structure, every corps member posted to Abia will now receive a base allowance of ₦20,000. On top of this ₦20,000, those working in state government establishments will get an extra ₦10,000, while teaching and medical corps members will earn an additional ₦30,000 each month.
The announcement was contained in a statement released on Friday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Njoku Ukoha.
“In addition to the Federal Government’s increased monthly NYSC allowance of ₦77,000, all corps members serving in Abia State will now earn a base monthly allowance of ₦20,000, while those serving within state government establishments, and specifically teaching and medical personnel, will earn an additional discriminatory allowance of ₦10,000 and ₦30,000, respectively to motivate interested corp members, thereby bridging the human capacity gap created by decades of neglect and attrition in both sectors,” the statement read.
Ukoha explained that the new structure complements the Federal Government’s ₦77,000 NYSC allowance and fits into the governor’s wider agenda to boost youth empowerment and strengthen public institutions in the state.
“This marks the first major adjustment after 27 years, reflecting Governor Otti’s commitment to youth empowerment and workforce development in Abia,” the statement said.
He added that the administration had consistently supported corps members by renovating the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende Local Government Area, upgrading internal roads, improving electricity supply, and enhancing other camp facilities, even though the property belongs to the Federal Government.
“The governor believes that every institution or infrastructure within Abia, whether federal or state-owned, deserves attention because it is Abians who benefit the most,” Ukoha noted.
The CPS also highlighted other reforms, noting that the government recently implemented the Consolidated Health Salary Structure for health workers and extended it to local government employees, bringing their pay in line with federal standards and improving morale in the sector.
According to him, approximately 35 per cent of the state budget goes into healthcare and education, two areas the administration describes as “pillars of institutional capacity and human capital development.”
The governor believes the new allowance structure will make national service more rewarding and encourage young professionals to contribute to Abia’s development.
“Governor Otti’s latest move sends a clear message: Abia State is serious about empowering youth, rewarding excellence, and building a future where service is truly valued,” the statement added.
With the latest increase, Abia now ranks among the states offering the highest monthly stipends to NYSC members.