Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has significantly increased the monthly allowance for National Youth Service Corps members serving in the state, raising it from the previous ₦4,000 to a maximum of ₦50,000.

According to a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the new structure provides a base monthly allowance of ₦20,000 for all Corps members.

Those serving in state government establishments will receive an additional ₦10,000, while those in Teaching and Medical roles will benefit from an extra ₦30,000, resulting in the highest possible state pay of ₦50,000.

When combined with the Federal Government’s enhanced NYSC allowance of ₦77,000, Corps members serving in Abia State are now expected to earn an average of ₦90,000 monthly.

Motivating Corps Members and Infrastructure Upgrades

The government explained that this substantial increase is intended to motivate Corps members and “bridge the human capacity gap created by decades of neglect and attrition in critical sectors.”

The statement noted that “This marks the first major adjustment after 27 years, reflecting Governor Otti’s commitment to youth empowerment and workforce development in Abia.”

Beyond the pay rise, the administration has also focused on improving the overall NYSC experience in the state through various initiatives, including comprehensive renovations of the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende Local Government Area, upgrades to infrastructure, road repairs within the camp premises, and the installation of new power equipment.

The statement clarified the motivation behind these facility improvements: “Although NYSC camps are federal facilities, Governor Otti believes every institution in Abia deserves attention, as Abians benefit the most.”

Commitment to Meritocracy and Health Sector Reform

The Governor’s administration stressed the vital role Corps members play in the state’s development, especially across key sectors such as Law, Engineering, Medicine, and Education.

To illustrate the benefits of merit-based appointments, the statement cited the example of Mr. Benson Ojeikere, a former Corps member from Edo State who was retained after his service year and subsequently rose through the ranks to become Abia’s Head of Service.

Additionally, Governor Otti has approved the implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure for all health workers across Abia, including those in Local Government Areas.

This move aims to align health workers’ salaries with federal standards and significantly boost the morale of the workforce.

The statement concluded that these salary and facility enhancements are part of a larger strategy to strengthen institutional capacity in healthcare and education, sectors to which the state has dedicated 35% of its budget, thereby ensuring a well-equipped and future-ready public service infrastructure.