Abia State Governor Alex Otti has directed the immediate implementation of approved state allowances for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the state, ordering officials to eliminate administrative delays that have stalled payments despite prior approval and budgetary provision.
The directive was issued on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the newly deployed Abia State NYSC Coordinator, Alhaji Yunusa Tanimu, at the Government House in Umuahia.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the delay, Otti said he was surprised that the enhanced allowances had not been paid, stressing that his administration had already approved the initiative and made financial provision for its implementation.
“The approval has been given and provisions have been made for it. If it has not been implemented, then it serves no purpose,” the governor said.
He instructed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, to work with the Head of Service and other relevant officials to ensure immediate disbursement of the allowances.
The governor also recalled previous administrative challenges linked to the verification of Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), noting that those issues had already been addressed. He directed officials to resolve any remaining bottlenecks without further delay.
Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of corps members, describing them as an important part of Abia’s workforce, particularly in education, healthcare and other critical public services.
He added that the state does not discriminate against residents based on their state of origin, assuring corps members that they would continue to receive equal treatment and government support throughout their service year.
Earlier, Tanimu appealed for the speedy implementation of the approved allowances, while commending the governor for his administration’s investments in the NYSC scheme.
According to him, the state government has undertaken major improvements at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Umunna, including the renovation of hostels and the multipurpose hall, construction of internal roads, installation of solar-powered streetlights, funding support for camp feeding and logistics, and the provision of a new office accommodation for the NYSC state secretariat in Umuahia.
He pledged the continued support of the NYSC towards the socio-economic development of Abia State.
The latest directive follows Governor Otti’s approval in November 2025 of a substantial increase in monthly state allowances for corps members serving in Abia, raising payments from ₦4,000 to between ₦20,000 and ₦50,000 depending on posting and eligibility. The increase complements the Federal Government’s monthly NYSC allowance of ₦77,000 and represents one of the most significant state-funded welfare packages for corps members in Nigeria.
The governor’s latest intervention is expected to accelerate implementation and reinforce his administration’s commitment to improving youth welfare and strengthening public service delivery in the state.
