Surviving on N33,000: NYSC Members Share Real-Life Struggles Amid Broken Promises

The Federal Government’s unfulfilled promise to increase the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) allowance from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000 has left corps members nationwide disillusioned and struggling to survive.

The lingering disappointment is not only affecting their well-being but also posing a significant threat to their productivity and the effectiveness of the NYSC scheme.

From Promise to Pain: A Timeline of Dashed Hopes

In July 2024, the Federal Government announced the allowance increment, citing a commitment to ease the financial burden on corps members amidst the harsh economic realities. However, Brig. Gen. Yushau Ahmed, NYSC’s Director-General, soon clarified that the implementation stalled due to the non-release of funds. Hopes were reignited when the DG assured that the ₦77,000 payments would commence in February 2025, but February came and went with corps members still receiving the old ₦33,000 stipend.

The disparity between the promise and the reality has left many corps members feeling short-changed and demotivated. “The money is very poor, and the Federal Government keeps promising and failing us. This is very bad,” lamented a corps member serving in Abia State.

Read Also:

---

₦2.2m Monthly Salary | How To Apply For Finland Seasonal Work Permit 2025

Stop Paying Agents! Discover Easy and Affordable Ways to Migrate to Canada

---

The Harsh Realities: Living on ₦33,000 in Today’s Economy

The ₦33,000 monthly allowance barely scratches the surface of corps members’ expenses. From accommodation costs to feeding, transportation, and other bills, the financial strain is palpable.

A Glimpse into Corps Members’ Struggles

For corps members, surviving on ₦33,000 a month is like squeezing water from a rock. Many have shared their experiences, painting a grim picture of life on a budget that can barely sustain them.

Abia State:

A corps member who chose to remain anonymous expressed her frustration:

“The PPA where we are posted doesn’t provide accommodation; we have to handle that ourselves. Feeding is another issue in an unfamiliar place. It’s nearly impossible to survive on ₦33,000 a month. PPAs don’t pay well; some pay as little as ₦4,000. Imagine surviving on ₦37,000 a month. The Federal Government keeps promising and failing us. This is very bad.”

Osun State:

Another corps member lamented the financial struggle, highlighting how basic expenses far exceed their monthly stipend:

“The money I spend on transportation alone is over ₦12,000 monthly, excluding the days I go for CDS. I had to call my mother to ask for support because this monthly allowance is inadequate. One cannot survive on this unless one is ready to suffer.”

Lagos State:

A Lagos-based corps member voiced her dissatisfaction with the persistent delay:

“I don’t know how they expect us to survive on ₦33,000 when there is so much hardship. They keep promising ₦77,000, yet we have not seen anything.”

Kano State:

In the northern part of the country, a corps member in Kano revealed how the stipend barely covers her transportation, let alone feeding and other expenses:

“I spend about ₦15,000 on transportation alone. The remaining amount goes into feeding and other basic needs. The situation is demoralizing.”

Enugu State:

A corps member in Enugu shared a similar story of hardship, adding that the allowance is only a drop in the ocean of rising living costs:

“The cost of living here is high. After paying for accommodation and transportation, there’s almost nothing left. The government needs to act fast.”

The Impact on Productivity: You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have

When financial stress hits, motivation takes a nosedive. Many corps members find themselves in a daily hustle to make ends meet, often taking up side gigs or relying on family support to survive. This diversion of energy and focus could severely affect their performance at their Places of Primary Assignment (PPAs).

When corps members are more concerned about survival than service, it undermines the NYSC scheme’s objective of fostering national unity and contributing to community development. The impact is particularly evident in sectors where corps members fill critical roles, such as education and healthcare. Reduced productivity means reduced contributions to the communities they serve.

See Also:

---

NLC Halts Protest as FG Approves 35% Telecom Tariff Hike – What It Means for Nigerians

The New CBN ATM Withdrawal Policy: What It Means for You | The Good & The Challenges

---

When Hunger Meets Service: Impact on Productivity

With the government failing to fulfill its promise, corps members’ morale is at an all-time low. Many find themselves taking up side hustles to make ends meet, which in turn affects their commitment to their primary assignments.

The NYSC scheme, established to promote national unity and development, could suffer a significant setback if corps members are more focused on survival than service. The productivity of these young graduates, who play critical roles in education, healthcare, and community development, is at risk.

One corps member put it aptly:

“You can’t expect us to give our best when we are constantly worried about where our next meal will come from.”

A Need for Accountability and Urgency

The Federal Government and the NYSC must bridge the gap between policy and practice. The longer the delay, the deeper the discontent. The government’s inconsistency not only affects corps members’ welfare but also raises questions about accountability and transparency in public service administration.

A Call to Action: What Next?

1.Immediate Implementation: The Federal Government should urgently facilitate the release of funds to commence the ₦77,000 payments.

2.Transparent Communication: The NYSC should provide clear, consistent updates to manage expectations and build trust.

3.Support Systems: State governments and PPAs should consider providing additional stipends or incentives to support corps members.

The plight of corps members should not be swept under the rug. They are not just serving their country—they are the future workforce, the young minds expected to drive national development. Investing in their welfare is not charity; it is a strategic move toward building a stronger, more productive Nigeria.

4. Welfare Programs: Beyond allowances, the government could introduce subsidized accommodation, feeding, and transportation options for corps members.

Conclusion: Investing in Nigeria’s Future

The plight of corps members is not just a financial issue; it is a matter of national interest. These young Nigerians are not only serving their country but are also the future professionals and leaders. If the Federal Government truly values the contributions of corps members, it must back its promises with action—because a hungry corps member is not a productive corps member.