The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has ordered the immediate implementation of the enhanced state allowance approved for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in Abia, directing relevant government officials to remove every administrative bottleneck delaying the payment.
The governor gave the directive on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, while receiving the newly deployed Abia State Coordinator of the NYSC, Yunusa Tanimu, at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Otti expressed displeasure that the approved allowance had not yet been implemented despite his earlier approval and the release of funds for the initiative. He described the delay as unacceptable and insisted that the issue must be resolved without further excuses.
Addressing the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, the governor directed that immediate steps be taken in collaboration with the Head of Service to clear every administrative obstacle responsible for the delay.
“I am surprised that the extra allowance that I approved had not been implemented. I am surprised about that.
“Please, can you (Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development) ensure that whatever it is, it has to be dealt with immediately.
“Because the last time, I was told it’s about BVN, and I’m sure I tried to solve it. So if there is any other problem, please, can you get the Head of Service and solve it.
“I already have given the approval, and we have made provisions for it. So if it’s not been implemented, it’s of no use to us. It’s already provided.
“And so I’m surprised to hear that it hasn’t been done. I knew about the time when we argued about BVN, and I stepped in and resolved it. That was before you (new State Coordinator) came,” Otti stated.
Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of corps members posted to Abia, acknowledging the vital roles they play in strengthening education and healthcare delivery across the state.
He noted that many corps members are deployed to public schools and hospitals where they provide essential services, adding that the government would continue to support them to ensure they enjoy a comfortable and rewarding service year.
“They are teaching in schools or in the hospitals and we believe that whatever we can do to make their stay comfortable, we will do.
“And that’s why we have intervened and we continue to intervene”, the Governor said.
Welcoming Tanimu to Abia, the governor assured him of the state’s cooperation and hospitality, stressing that his administration does not discriminate against anyone based on state of origin. He maintained that every Nigerian living and contributing positively to the development of Abia is regarded as a valued member of the state.
Earlier, the new NYSC State Coordinator, Yunusa Tanimu, said he was at the Government House to formally introduce himself following his assumption of office and to strengthen the existing partnership between the NYSC and the Abia State Government.
While appealing for the full implementation of the approved enhanced allowance for corps members, Tanimu praised Governor Otti’s administration for executing transformative projects and policies that have significantly improved infrastructure, economic development and public welfare across the state.
He observed that the NYSC had continued to benefit from the governor’s people-centred interventions and assured the state government of the scheme’s continued collaboration in promoting national unity and supporting developmental initiatives.
“I am pleased to place on record the fact that NYSC is a beneficiary of the people-oriented strides of the Abia State Government under your purposeful leadership.
“Today I stand here to once again express our profound gratitude for the following remarkable gestures: Comprehensive renovation of Corps members’ hostels and multi-purpose hall at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Umunna;
“Construction of internal roads in the Camp; Provision of solar-powered street lights in the Camp; Approval of funds for the augmentation of Corps members’ feeding, fueling of power generators and other logistics for the conduct of Orientation Courses;
“Approval of enhanced allowance for Corps members serving in the state; and Provision of new office accommodation for the NYSC Secretariat in the state capital.
“In addition, we have been reliably informed that His Excellency has approved funds for the supply of furniture to the new office,” Tanimu said.
The renewed assurance by Governor Otti is expected to bring relief to corps members serving in Abia as the state government moves to ensure that the approved enhanced allowance is implemented without further delay while deepening its partnership with the NYSC in advancing development and national integration.