INFLATION: How NYSC Members Struggle To Survive On N33,000 Allowance
BY NAJIB SANI, GOMBE
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members are crying out for help as the current N33,000 monthly allowance paid by the federal government falls short of their living expenses.
The recent removal of fuel subsidy has led to skyrocketing transportation fares, leaving corps members struggling to go to their places of primary assignments and making ends meet.
In an interview with a female corps member who preferred to withhold her name, she expressed her frustration with the current allowance saying they struggle to survive on it.
“We were expecting the increased allowance of N77,000 in our September payment, but unfortunately, it didn’t reflect,” she said.
She revealed that her house rent alone costs N50,000 per annum, while daily transport expenses take N1,200, which translates to N36,000 monthly – exceeding her NYSC allowance.
Additionally, the female corp member said food costs her N1,500 daily, or N45,000 monthly which is higher than her allowance. She added that the inadequacy of the allowance hinders them from being regular to places of primary assignments which is countering productivity.
Another corps member, (Name withheld), shared her struggles. “To sustain myself, I have to work as a POS operator, earning N15,000 monthly, as the NYSC allowance is grossly inadequate due to the current hyperinflation caused by fuel subsidy removal.”
The corps members are appealing to the federal government to expedite the implementation of their new allowance to alleviate their suffering.
According to Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, NYSC Director-General, the allowance increase is tied to the implementation of the new minimum wage for federal civil servants.
A federal civil servant, who also pleaded anonymity, confirmed that workers received their September salary based on the old minimum wage but expressed optimism that the new N70,000 minimum wage will take effect in October.
