Almost a month after the national minimum wage was raised by ₦35,000, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members are expressing their dissatisfaction and concerns about being excluded from this increase.
The Federal Government has yet to implement an allowance increase for these corps members, who currently receive ₦33,000 per month.
Melekwe Anthony, a serving corps member in Ogun State, expressed his thoughts: “While the government deserves credit for paying Corps members regularly and increasing their monthly allowance from ₦19,500 to ₦33,000, we believe more should be done, given the prevailing hardships in the country. Considering the rising cost of food, transportation, and other essential expenses, Corps members should certainly receive higher allowances to serve our nation. Posting graduates far from home to serve on empty stomachs is demoralizing.”
Aniete Essien, another serving corps member in Rivers State, said, “The Federal Government is not treating us well. After the minimum wage was increased to ₦65,000, Corps members across Nigeria were expecting a corresponding increase in our monthly allowance. However, the Federal Government has disappointed us, and we are not satisfied. Given the country’s inflation, I implore the Federal Government to address this issue as Corps members are suffering.”
Gabriel, also a serving corps member in Rivers State, added, “It was heartening to hear about the minimum wage increase, and Corps members were hopeful that our allowance would follow suit. My message to the Federal Government is to not just make promises but to take action, which would enhance our trust in them.”
An anonymous serving corps member in Lagos State pleaded with the Federal Government, saying, “Please consider the welfare of youth Corps members. The Nigerian economy has become increasingly challenging, with rising costs for food, transportation, and other necessities. The ₦33,000 allowance is inadequate to cover our expenses.”
Nnanna, who has completed six months of his service year in Rivers State, voiced his discontent: “I’m very disheartened by the ongoing situation. The government continues to pay ₦33,000 instead of increasing our allowance. Corps members are incurring daily expenses as they commute to their Places of Primary Assignment (PPA), and the ₦33,000 allowance is insufficient to cover our basic needs. The Federal Government should consider an increase in our allowance, especially given the transportation costs to our PPAs.”
Amos, a serving corps member in Anambra State, expressed his dissatisfaction, saying, “The ₦33,000 allowance is insufficient, especially considering the recent inflation. To fill a 6kg gas cylinder costs ₦6,000, and the cost of transportation and food has risen substantially. If the NYSC program is challenging to sustain, perhaps it should be reconsidered.”
Another concerned Corps member, Daniel, commented: “The situation is untenable, especially considering the inflation in the country. With the rising costs of living, Corps members, especially those in Rivers State, are facing severe challenges. If other Federal Government workers are benefiting from the minimum wage increase, there’s no reason why Corps members should be left out. The Federal Government should address this issue.”
Another serving Corps member in Rivers State expressed her concern, suggesting that it might be an oversight: “I believe it could be negligence, as it seems the government may have overlooked Corps members. The ₦33,000 allowance is insufficient to sustain a Corps member for a month, especially with the ongoing economic challenges. The Federal Government should take swift action. Frankly, the situation is dire.”
However, Mercy, another serving Corps member, proposed a different solution: “Rather than increasing the Corps members’ allowance, it may be more effective to reduce the cost of living. Lowering the cost of living would benefit everyone.”
