National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) members have asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the implementation of the promised N77,000 allowance to alleviate the current economic hardship.
The corps members took to their social media handles to share their concerns on Wednesday.
They said in spite of the Federal Government’s approval of the new minimum wage, in July 2024, corps members were still receiving the old allowance of N33,000.
Recall that on September 25, 2024, the federal government announced an increase in the monthly stipend for serving corps members from N33,000 to N77,000, effective from July 2024.
The change was said to align with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024 and was considered a significant boost to the welfare package for corps members.
However, despite the official announcement, corps members were paid the old allowance of N33,000 for September and October.
The corps members expressing their frustration on X said the old N30,000 allowance is no longer sustainable due to high transportation, feeding, and NYSC contribution costs.
“3 months after, the Federal Government still believes that N33k is enough for NYSC members to survive,” tweeted @NoorAjuwon.
“How can we even concentrate on our primary assignment with N33k in this current economic situation?” asked @Arbdoolbasid_Jr.
“High transportation costs: @Eze_na_ujari spends N5,000 on transportation and N2,000 on Community Development Service (CDS) contributions, leaving him with N26,000 from the N33,000 allowance.
“Poor living conditions: @blazzin_225 described the situation as “suffering and wickedness” due to bad NYSC lodges, dilapidated bathrooms and toilets, and starvation
Another tweet at @officialABAT was urged, “See us as your children too. We’re dying.”
Earlier in October, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, disclosed that the recent increase in corps members’ allowances has not been implemented due to the non-release of funds.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ahmed explained that the government has yet to provide the necessary funds for the new allowance to take effect.
He further revealed that although NYSC staff salaries were revised about four to five months ago, the increment has also not been implemented.