The Federal Government has assured that corps members will receive the backlog of their delayed increased 77,000 monthly allowance.

On the 25th of September, 2024, the federal government announced an increase in the monthly stipend for serving corps members from N33,000 to N77,000, effective from July 2024.

However, the new adjustment has yet to be implemented despite repeated promises.

In a renewed assurance to corps members, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, revealed that serving corps members and those in the scheme when the increment was announced are expected to receive backdated payments.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Olawande reaffirmed the government’s commitment to settling the backlog.

He said, “You saw the new DG saying that you will get it, and they’re asking him a question ‘What about those that are going out now, are they going to receive it [backlog]?’ He said ‘We have your details.’”

He further assured that the government would ensure the delayed payments are made, though he cautioned that it may take some time.

“The backlog, we will work on it and make sure it is paid. It may not be immediate but it will happen,” he said.

This comes a week after the new Director General of the NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, stated that corps members should expect the new allowance to take effect in March.

Aviation unions in Nigeria have threatened to shut down all airports nationwide starting March 31, 2025, over the alleged assault of the Director of Aviation Security at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by a customs officer

The unions involved in the protest include:

National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE)

Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN)

Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP)

In a joint statement signed by Ocheme Aba, Frances Akinjole, and Abdul Rasaq Saidu, the unions expressed dissatisfaction over repeated physical assaults on FAAN personnel, vowing not to tolerate further incidents.

Key Demands

Removal of the customs officer involved in the assault

Reduction in the number of customs officers operating at airports

Implementation of strict protocols to prevent future assaults

The unions stated:

“Considering the enormity and frequency of physical and psychological assaults on FAAN staff, we are compelled to take action to ensure mutual respect between FAAN personnel and security agencies at airports.”

Unless their demands are met, aviation workers will withdraw their services from March 31, leading to a nationwide shutdown of airport operations.

In reaction, Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada described the incident as a miscommunication regarding equipment movement and seating arrangements, downplaying tensions between customs officers and FAAN officials.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has rescheduled the 2025 Mock UTME from 5th April to 10th April 2025.

The board stated that the adjustment is to ensure all necessary preparations are completed, incorporating a range of innovations designed to make the examination the best in history, while also accommodating the increased number of examination centres for the 2025 exercise.

Originally set for Saturday, 5th April 2025, the Mock UTME will now take place on Thursday, 10th April 2025, while the main UTME is scheduled to commence on 25th April 2025.

A statement by JAMB’s Corporate Communications Adviser, Fabian Benjamin, noted that the board recognises the need for innovative measures to optimise the mock exercise’s intended purpose, in line with global best practices and recent research on examination methodologies in the region.

He advised candidates to stay tuned for the announcement regarding the printing of their Mock Notification Slips, which will provide details of their examination centres.