Corps Members Stranded as Access Bank Delays ₦33,000 Stipend without explanation

A group of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in Akwa Ibom State have expressed frustration over the delay in receiving their ₦33,000 monthly allowance, which is paid by the federal government through Access Bank.

The corps members, who spoke to reporters, revealed that they had been waiting for over four days without receiving their stipends for the month of February, leaving many of them stranded and unable to meet their daily needs. While some corps members using other banks confirmed receiving their payments, those with Access Bank accounts lamented that the delay had put them in a difficult financial situation.

“I have been checking my account every hour since Friday, yet nothing has dropped. I have called Access Bank customer care multiple times, but they keep telling me to be patient. How can we be patient when we are already struggling to survive?” one corps member, who identified herself as Grace, lamented.

Many affected corps members also expressed disappointment with the federal government over its failure to implement the promised ₦77,000 allowance, which was supposed to take effect following the removal of fuel subsidies. The NYSC members had hoped that the increase would help them cope with the rising cost of living, but months later, the government has yet to fulfill its commitment.

“We were promised ₦77,000, yet we are still struggling to receive ₦33,000. It’s unfair because most of us rely on this stipend for survival. The cost of food, transportation, and rent has increased drastically, but our allowance has remained the same,” another corps member, Michael, stated.

Some corps members called on the federal government to hold banks accountable for unnecessary delays in processing their stipends, emphasizing that many of them do not have alternative sources of income.

As of the time of this report, Access Bank has yet to issue an official statement explaining the delay. However, the affected corps members are urging the NYSC management to intervene and ensure that their allowances are promptly disbursed moving forward.