Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has directed the immediate resolution of administrative challenges delaying the commencement of the approved enhanced allowance for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state.

Governor Otti gave the directive on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, when he received the newly posted NYSC State Coordinator, Alhaji Yunusa Tanimu, at his office in Umuahia.

The Governor expressed surprise that the payment of the additional allowance approved for corps members had not commenced despite necessary approvals and financial provisions already made by his administration.

According to him, the issue had earlier been linked to verification challenges involving Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), which he said had already been addressed.

“I am surprised that the extra allowance that I approved had not been implemented. I have already given the approval, and we have made provisions for it. If it has not been implemented, then it is of no use to us because it is already provided for,” Governor Otti stated.

He immediately directed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, to work with the Head of Service to identify and remove any remaining obstacles preventing the payment.

The Governor said his administration remains committed to improving the welfare of NYSC members because of their contributions to the development of the state, particularly in education and healthcare sectors.

“NYSC members are teaching in our schools and working in our hospitals. We believe that whatever we can do to make their stay comfortable, we will do,” he said.

NYSC Commends Otti’s Support

Earlier, the newly appointed NYSC State Coordinator in Abia, Alhaji Yunusa Tanimu, thanked Governor Otti for his support towards the scheme and appealed for the speedy implementation of the enhanced allowance for corps members.

The NYSC coordinator highlighted several interventions by the Otti administration, including the renovation of corps members’ hostels and multipurpose hall at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Umunna, construction of internal roads within the camp, installation of solar-powered streetlights, funding support for orientation exercises, improved feeding arrangements, generator fueling and logistics assistance.

He also commended the Governor for approving improved welfare packages for corps members and providing a new office accommodation for the NYSC Secretariat in Umuahia.

Alhaji Tanimu described the interventions as evidence of the Abia State Government’s commitment to youth development and national integration.

“Everyone Living in Abia is Welcome” — Otti

Governor Otti also assured the new NYSC coordinator of the hospitality of Abians, stressing that his administration does not discriminate based on state of origin.

He said anyone who lives, works, or contributes to the progress of Abia is considered part of the state’s development journey.

The Governor congratulated Alhaji Tanimu on his new posting and expressed confidence that the NYSC would continue to play a vital role in the advancement of Abia State.

The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, Special Assistant on Sports, Special Assistant on Youth Development, and other government officials.