Corps members of Akwa Ibom State origin serving in different parts of the country have raised concern over the non-payment of the N20,000 monthly support reportedly approved by the state government for its indigene under the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, scheme.

The affected corps members say while some of their colleagues have confirmed receipt of the allowance, many of those posted outside Akwa Ibom State are yet to receive a dime or any official explanation for the delay.

One of the affected corps members, George Aniefiok Okon, who is currently serving in Ogun State has formally petitioned the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Youth Development over the issue.

In a formal complaint addressed to the Director of Youth Development and Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Okon described the situation as worrisome and discriminatory.

The petition, which was routed through the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development and copied to the State Coordinator of the NYSC in Akwa Ibom State, called for urgent intervention.

Okon, in the letter, said he is an Akwa Ibom indigene serving in Ogun State and is fully eligible for the N20,000 monthly support announced for corps members from the state.

According to him, it was understood that the support scheme was meant to cover all eligible Akwa Ibom corps members, including those serving outside the state.

He lamented, however, that many corps members deployed outside Akwa Ibom have been excluded from the payment without any clear reason.

“This situation has caused considerable concern among affected corps members, particularly those who have complied with the requirements for the scheme,” Okon stated in his petition.

He explained that the delay has created anxiety and a sense of unequal treatment among Akwa Ibom corps members serving in other states.

The petitioner therefore requested the ministry to provide clarification on the current status of the N20,000 monthly support for indigene serving outside Akwa Ibom.

He also sought to know why eligible corps members posted outside the state have not been paid despite meeting all requirements.

Okon further asked whether payments for outside-state corps members have actually been approved and processed by the government.

He demanded to know the expected date for the commencement or completion of the outstanding payments to affected corps members.

The corps member also enquired whether there is any additional verification, registration or documentation required from those serving outside the state.

In addition, he requested that the ministry disclose the specific department or officer responsible for handling complaints and payment issues relating to the support scheme.

He appealed to the Ministry of Youth Development to urgently investigate the matter and ensure equal treatment for all eligible Akwa Ibom corps members, irrespective of their state of deployment.

Okon commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its youth-friendly policies and its commitment to the welfare and development of young people in the state.

He expressed hope that the government would respond promptly and positively to the complaints raised by affected corps members.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to get a reaction from the Ministry of Youth Development in Uyo were unsuccessful, but corps members say they are eagerly awaiting an official statement on the matter.