Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have ppealed to the Federal Government for the implementation of the promised N77,000 monthly allowance to alleviate the economic difficulties they are currently experiencing.
On Wednesday, the corps members expressed their concerns through various social media platforms. They noted that despite the Federal Government's approval of a new minimum wage in July 2024, they continue to receive the previous allowance of N33,000.
The corps members argue that this outdated allowance is no longer viable due to escalating costs related to transportation, food, and other daily expenses associated with their service.
In a message on X, one user remarked, “Three months later, the Federal Government still believes that N33,000 is a sufficient amount for NYSC members to sustain themselves.” Another user queried, “How are we expected to focus on our primary assignments with only N33,000 in this current economic climate?”
A corps member detailed that his monthly expenditures include N5,000 for transportation and N2,000 for Community Development Service (CDS) contributions, leaving him with merely N26,000 from the N33,000 allowance.
One participant characterized the prevailing circumstances as “suffering and wickedness,” highlighting issues such as inadequate NYSC accommodations, deteriorating sanitation facilities, and insufficient nourishment.
Another X user conveyed a plea, stating, “Consider us as your children as well. We are struggling.”
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Federal Government approved a new minimum wage following the expiration of the previous wage structure in April. This new approval is anticipated to be extended to corps members in due course.