More than two months have passed since the federal government approved an increase in the monthly allowance for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from N33,000 to N77,000 without implementation.
LEADERSHIP gathered that corps members in Abuja and other states have again received N33,000 as monthly allowance in October, which has left many of them struggling to make ends meet amid rising inflation and escalating transportation costs.
In August, the government announced that it would adjust the NYSC monthly allowance to N77,000, citing the need to account for inflation and the escalating cost of essential goods and services.
The adjustment was intended to help corps members meet the rising cost of living by nearly tripling their monthly allowance.
However, investigations by LEADERSHIP revealed that the promised raise has not yet materialised, and the corps members continue to receive only the N33,000 stipend.
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The absence of this increase has increased frustration among corps members, as the current allowance barely covers their basic expenses, especially given the economic challenges, with another increase in fuel pump price on Tuesday.
Many corps members expressed relief and excitement at the prospect, hoping that the increase would ease the financial pressure that has grown significantly since the fuel subsidy was removed and other economic challenges set in.
However, as corps members in Abuja and other states reported yesterday, the expected change has yet to take effect. The monthly allowance remains at N33,000, which they say is woefully inadequate under the present circumstances.
Several corps members who confirmed receiving the N33,000 payment explained that their allowance barely covers their transportation costs, let alone other essential expenses.
A corps member in Yobe who identified herself simply as Winifred shared her dismay: “We were promised better support during our service year, but so far that promise has not been kept. The N33,000 barely covers my needs, and it is discouraging to see no action on the part of the government despite the hardship.”
In many parts of the country, fuel prices have soared, doubling or even tripling daily transport expenses. Corps members going to their Places of Primary Assignment (PPAs) are now forced to spend much of their allowance on transportation alone, leaving little for other needs.
LEADERSHIP gathered that some government agencies, such as the National Bureau of Statistics, have approved two work days a week for Corp members, amongst others.
Hauwa, a corps member serving in a private firm in Garki and residing in Jikwoyi, Abuja, revealed the financial toll on her monthly budget.
“I spend almost N3,000 daily on transportation alone. The N33,000 is finished in less than two weeks. Then, you add food and other essential expenses. It’s not sustainable.
“We were so hopeful when we heard about the N77,000 increment. Many of us planned to save or support our families back home, but we’re just scraping by now.”
She stated that the strain of her commute and limited allowance often leaves her needing to skip meals to keep going
If not for understanding my PPA, which sometimes gives me days off, I wouldn’t be able to complete my service year. The situation is that dire.”
To cope with their financial struggles, some corps members have taken up side jobs to supplement their incomes. However, balancing these extra commitments with the responsibilities of their service year presents a significant challenge.
Hauwa, a stylist, further said, “It’s tough to juggle a side job while still fulfilling my PPA responsibilities. The allowance is not enough to cover the basics, so I try to make extra money where I can. But it’s exhausting, and sometimes I worry it might affect my service performance.”
In response to corps members’ challenges, some Places of Primary Assignment (PPA) have reportedly started reducing the number of working days required for corps members.
The decision aims to alleviate the financial strain on corps members by reducing their commuting costs.
A corps member serving in one such PPA, Ogechi, said, “My PPA reduced our working days to two to help with the transport expenses. It has been helpful because commuting every day is just too costly. It’s a temporary solution, but at least it’s some relief while we wait for the allowance increase.”
Stakeholders have therefore urged the government to address the delay in implementing the new allowance, as the current financial strain is pushing many to the breaking point.
Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Abuja chapter, Dr Sylvanus Ugoh, lamented that corps members barely survive in this economy with that amount.
“While they’ve publicly announced the new allowance, corps members still receive N33,000, barely covering rising transport costs. This amount is insufficient, especially given their increasing expenses for basic transportation.”
