Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has ordered the immediate removal of all administrative bottlenecks delaying the implementation of the approved allowance for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the state.
The directive was issued on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, when the Governor received the newly posted Abia State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Yunusa Tanimu, during a courtesy visit at the Government House.
Governor Otti expressed disappointment that the approved allowance had not yet been paid despite earlier approval and budgetary provision for the initiative. He instructed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development to work closely with the Head of Service to ensure the issue is resolved without further delay.
According to the Governor, the state government had already fulfilled its responsibilities by approving and making financial provisions for the allowance, making the continued delay unacceptable.
He recalled that a previous challenge involving the verification of Corps members’ Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) had already been addressed after his personal intervention, stressing that any remaining obstacles should be cleared immediately.
“If there are any other issues, they should be resolved at once. The approval has been granted, funds have been provided, and implementation should begin immediately,” Governor Otti stated.
The Governor also welcomed the new NYSC State Coordinator and assured him of the state’s support throughout his assignment. He reiterated his administration’s inclusive policy, emphasizing that anyone living and conducting legitimate business in Abia is regarded as part of the state, irrespective of their state of origin.
Governor Otti described Abians as welcoming and hospitable, encouraging the new coordinator to feel at home while carrying out his official responsibilities.
He further commended the contributions of Corps members across Abia State, particularly in the education and healthcare sectors, noting that they continue to play an important role in the delivery of essential public services.
According to him, the government remains committed to improving the welfare of Corps members and will continue to introduce measures that make their service year more comfortable and rewarding.
Earlier, the newly appointed NYSC State Coordinator, Alhaji Yunusa Tanimu, said his visit was to formally introduce himself following his recent posting to Abia State.
He appealed for the speedy implementation of the enhanced state allowance approved for Corps members and commended Governor Otti for his achievements in infrastructure, economic development, and governance.
Tanimu expressed appreciation for the Abia State Government’s consistent support for the NYSC scheme, highlighting several interventions carried out under Governor Otti’s administration. These include the comprehensive renovation of Corps members’ hostels and the multipurpose hall at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Umunna, construction of internal roads within the camp, installation of solar-powered streetlights, increased funding for feeding, generator fueling, and orientation logistics, approval of enhanced allowances for Corps members, provision of a new NYSC state secretariat, and approval of funds for furniture for the new office.
He assured the Governor that the NYSC would continue partnering with the Abia State Government in promoting community development and national service.
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The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, the Special Assistant on Sports, the Special Assistant on Youth Development, and other senior government officials. The visit concluded with the presentation of a souvenir by the new NYSC State Coordinator to Governor Otti.
