Many NYSC members are having a tough time making ends meet with their monthly allowance. It’s often not enough to cover their expenses for the whole month. Nosa Onyeka, a graduate of Biology Education, who in November, Nosa Onyeka, left the comfort of his home in Lagos serve in Taraba State, experienced this firsthand. Despite enjoying the new environment at first, the challenges of living on a small allowance made him think about going back home.
The N33,000 monthly allowance was not enough to cover his needs. And his place of work didn’t pay him any extra money. To survive, Nosa had to borrow money from loan apps. He found himself taking out loans just to cover basic things like food, transportation, and rent. It was a stressful situation for him, as he knew he would have to pay back the loans with interest.
“The allawee is insufficient to live on. Food prices have doubled, if not tripled. You must go over your budget to eat three times daily. You can barely even save from this meagre allowance. There are toiletries and provisions to purchase. There is also data subscription as well as other miscellaneous expenses. It is never enough to be honest,” he told News Sources on Thursday.
Nosa’s story is not unique. Many other NYSC members are facing similar financial difficulties. Some have had to find part-time jobs or rely on help from family and friends to make ends meet.The low NYSC allowance has been a long-standing issue. Many people believe that the government should increase the allowance to help corps members meet their basic needs.
NYSC Back Story
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), a mandatory program established in 1973 by former military head of state Yakubu Gowon, aims to foster national unity and integration among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. Graduates from across the country are required to serve a year in states outside their home regions.
This program has become a significant part of the Nigerian experience, with many participants valuing the opportunities for personal growth, cultural exchange, and community service it offers.
The military government at the time paid these corps members a certain amount to support them. This became the monthly allowance. Subsequent governments increased the allowance to meet the increasing costs of goods and services over the years. It was N19,800 in 2016. In January 2020, the Buhari Administration increased it to N33,000.The inflation rate was 13.25% in 2020. It has reached 32.15% in 2024, reflecting an astronomical increase in the prices of goods and services.
Many corps members like Onyeka, who are expected to survive on the N33,000 allowance paid by the Federal Government and do not receive stipends from their place of primary assignment, seek other sources of income. Some rely on relatives for extra sources of income, perform odd jobs and establish small-scale businesses, while some borrow.
The National Assembly inflated its 2024 budget by 75% and approved N4 billion for its recreational centre in December 2023. Members of the House of Representatives and Senators receive huge salaries and allowances, which is usually frowned upon by Nigerians.
Members of the House of Representatives also promised to donate 50% of their salaries for six months to fight hunger. Information found that they received 100% of their July salary despite making these promises.
When corps members heard Bola Tinubu, the president of Nigeria, signed the new minimum wage bill of N70,000 into law in August, they were overjoyed because it meant their dreams of getting paid higher allowances had come to pass. But their hopes were dashed when they received N33,000 at the end of the month.
Despite this disappointment, there is hope that the government would keep its promise this time and not dash their hopes as it had done before.
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