NYSC: Four Months Since FG Announces N77k New Allowance, Corps Members Lament Receiving N33k Still
In August, the news go round that National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will now pay corps members N77,000 over the N33,000 monthly allowances they often pay for their services.
The news confirmed by several government officials and NYSC management was expected to also include the arrears payments from July.
The increment in the corps members allowances was said to have been in line with the Federal Government plan to implement the promised N77,000 allowance to alleviate the economic hardship they were going through.
However, it was a sharp contrast and to the chagrin of corps members who received N33,000 in August, September, October and November.
Director General of the NYSC has also stated that the reason for the payment of the old allowance is because the Federal Government failed to fund NYSC to pay the new allowance payment.
Regarding this, corps members recently took to their social media handles to share their concerns on Wednesday.
They said in spite of Federal Government’s approval of new minimum wage, in July 2024, corps members were still receiving the old allowance of N33,000.
According to them, the old allowance is no longer sustainable due to high transportation, feeding, and NYSC other daily expenses.
The Twitter reactions read: “3 months after, the Federal Government still believes that N33k is enough for NYSC members to survive,” twitted @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.”
The PIJAlance reports that the Federal Government approved the new minimum wage after the expiration of the old wage structure in April. The new approval is expected to be extended to corps members.
Read Also: NYSC Gives Three Corps Members Extension for Flouting Rules
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