NANS Senate President, Henry Okunomo, made a passionate appeal to the President in a letter sent to him and signed on Monday, with a copy made available to the pressmen, urging him to increase the monthly allowance for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to ₦77,000.

"I write to you today as a concerned citizen and a stakeholder in the development of our great nation. I am compelled to bring to your attention the urgent need to increase the allowances of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in light of the recent increase in the minimum wage and the high cost of living.”

“Mr. President, as you are aware, the NYSC scheme is a vital component of our nation’s youth development strategy. The scheme provides an opportunity for our young graduates to contribute to national development, foster national unity, and acquire valuable skills," Okunomo stated.

Supporting his call for an increase, he said, “Here are some compelling reasons why I implore you to increase the NYSC allowances to include, recent Increase in Minimum Wage, high Cost of Living, as well as inflation.

Okunomo also noted, “Increasing the allowances will motivate corps members to perform their duties with enthusiasm and dedication, leading to improved productivity and national development.”

On equity, he emphasised, “It is only fair that corps members, who are serving their nation, should earn a living wage that reflects the current economic realities.”

He concluded, “Increasing the allowances is an investment in our nation’s human capital, as it will enable corps members to acquire skills, build their capacity, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

Mr. President, I appeal to your sense of justice, compassion, and commitment to the development of our nation’s youth. I urge you to take immediate action to increase the NYSC allowances to a minimum of ₦77,000 per month,” the NANS Senate President said.