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The Lagos State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Yetunde Baderinwa, has clarified the concerns surrounding the new minimum wage for corps members in the country.
This follows the announcement of a planned online protest by some corps members who have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the perceived ‘exclusion’ of corps members from the new minimum wage, using several hashtags to voice their concerns.
Ms. Baderinwa addressed these concerns during a closed WhatsApp group chat in a Question and Answer session, and our correspondent obtained a copy of the conversation.
In response to a question about when corps members can expect the new minimum wage, Ms. Baderinwa explained, “After the pronouncement and approval of minimum wage for public servants, it goes through different levels of processes and approvals before it gets to payment.”
She noted that the current agitation among corps members is unnecessary, as it appears to stem from a misunderstanding that they are being left out.
“If you go through records, in the last dispensation when Corps members’ allowance was increased from #19,800 to #33,000 the cash backing was not available immediately, until a few months later. If you find out from past corps members, they were paid arrears from specific months.”
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She reassured the Corps members that their concerns are due to a lack of accurate information.
“The agitation right now by corps members is not necessary because its like jumping to wrong conclusions that cms are not included. I guarantee you this is coming from uninformed minds.
As soon as there is a clear picture and approval, be restored assured that The Director General NYSC will be the proudest dad to Inform his numerous children nationwide of the increase.”
“Moreover what we have now is an approval for an increase in basic salary. It will take time before the modalities are worked out,” Ms Baderinwa added.
However, she urged corps members to speak to their Local Government and Zonal Inspectors when they have questions or concerns and to steer clear of any form of protest.
In her words: “Let me use this medium to assure you that your welfare and safety is our priority. Where you have questions or concerns, speak with your LGI , ZI or your state coordinator. The Director Generals WhatsApp number is also available for you to reach out . It doesn’t make sense to create unrest or “Aluta” especially when you don’t know if it could be hijacked.”
“The proper channel of communication is through LGI, ZI and State Coordinators and NYSC official social media handles. Anything those three people have not told you is not authentic,” she added.
Addressing the disruption of the August biometric clearance due to the August 1-10 #EndBadGovernanceProtestinNigeria, the Lagos State Coordinator stated, “We have not called anyone for Biometrics in Lagos and I am sure in other states too. No matter what your allowances will be paid at the right time.”
“Recall that CDS and Biometrics was put on hold because of the concerns for your safety. Management didn’t want any corps members caught on the road while going for cds and biometrics. That doesn’t mean you will not be paid. You will definitely be paid. You all got first allowance free na even when you are not settled down,” Ms Baderinwa added.
“Those awaiting reposting will be treated I am sure in a few days. We are already working round the clock to ensure everyone is sorted.”
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