National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members are calling on the Federal Government to fulfill its promise of a N77,000 monthly allowance, citing economic hardship. The corps members, who took to social media on Wednesday to voice their concerns, highlighted that despite the government’s approval of a new minimum wage in July 2024, they are still receiving the old allowance of N33,000.
Many corps’ members expressed frustration, stating that the N33,000 is insufficient to cover their daily expenses, including high transportation and feeding costs. According to some of them, the old allowance no longer sustains their needs under current economic conditions, which have seen a sharp rise in the cost of living.
One user, @NoorAjuwon, tweeted, “Three months after, the Federal Government still believes that N33k is enough for NYSC members to survive.” Another Corps member, @Arbdoolbasid_Jr, questioned, “How can we even concentrate on our primary assignment with N33k in this current economic situation?”
Others broke down their expenses to demonstrate the insufficiency of the current allowance. X user @Eze_na_ujari shared that transportation costs him N5,000 monthly, while Community Development Service (CDS) contributions take an additional N2,000, leaving him with just N26,000 to manage all other expenses. Similarly, @blazzin_225 described the living conditions at NYSC lodges as “suffering and wickedness,” with complaints of deteriorated facilities and inadequate food.
In an appeal to the government, another tweet at @officialABAT read, “See us as your children too. We’re dying.” NYSC members are hopeful that the approved minimum wage adjustment, which followed the expiration of the previous wage structure in April, will soon extend to their allowances, bringing relief amid the challenging economic environment.
