Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
The Federal Government’s recent promise to increase the monthly allowance for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from N33,000 to N77,000 has sparked diverse reactions among corps members nationwide. Brigadier General YD Ahmed, the NYSC Director-General, confirmed the planned increment, which is expected to take effect in February 2025.
While some corps members see it as a chance to improve their living conditions, others view it as an opportunity to settle debts or save for the future. In today’s Corpers’ Corner on NRTC, I spoke with corps members across Nigeria about how they plan to spend the proposed allowance if the government follows through on its pledge.
Balancing dreams and debts: Corps members’ financial struggles and strategies
For some, the increase offers a chance to alleviate financial burdens. Victor from Ekiti State shared, “For me, it’s to settle loans and feeding. I’m owing heavily since last year. That’s all for the 77k, nothing much.”
Similarly, Deborah in Cross River State expressed, “To better my life because this 33k is not enough. It’s not reaching anywhere so I think it will be a long way in paying some financial debts and it will make me eat well, not eating from hand to mouth.”
Others view the increment as an opportunity to plan for the future. Timileyin from Delta State stated, “Since we batch B will only get it for just 4 months, I already prioritize 50k as my savings till I finish my NYSC program.”
Blessing, also serving in Cross River State, noted, “I might save some and use some. I might divide the money into two. When the 77k comes, I will start some saving nah. So after NYSC, we go see small change wey we go use start something.”
The raise also brings a sense of improved living standards for many corps members. Ayo from Cross River State remarked, “If I receive my 77k, for one, it will improve my cost of living… My quality of life will improve because right now, I’m literally living from hand to mouth.”
ALSO READ
Beyond the allowance raise: Addressing systemic challenges
While the allowance increase is a positive development, it also prompts a deeper examination of the systemic challenges faced by corps members. The diverse plans for the additional funds—ranging from debt repayment and basic sustenance to savings and small investments—highlight the financial strains many endure during their service year.
Gbadebo from Abia State pointed out the disparity between the allowance and actual living expenses, stating, “I spent more than 77k every month, if I collect 77k as my alawee by month end I will only use half of it to buy food stuff and use the rest to buy two set of clothes.”
This sentiment underscores the broader issue of economic hardship among corps members, many of whom rely on additional support or side hustles to make ends meet. The allowance increase, while beneficial, may still fall short in bridging the gap between income and essential expenses.
Moreover, the anticipation of the increased allowance is tempered by skepticism. Damilola from Cross River State expressed caution, “First of all, it’s a bit hard to expect 77k, but if peradventure it enters, okay let me say first things first, I will first remove my tithe and then I will save part of it sha.”
This cautious optimism reflects a broader uncertainty about the implementation of government promises, a sentiment not uncommon among Nigerian youth.
At the end of the day, while the increase in the NYSC allowance represents a commendable effort by the government to improve the welfare of corps members, it also brings to light the ongoing economic challenges they face. The varied responses from corps members highlight the need for a holistic approach to their welfare—one that goes beyond financial remuneration to address the systemic issues affecting their service experience and future prospects.
