Corp Members Cry Out: NYSC’s Refusal to Implement Minimum Wage Sparks Outrage

By: Emmanuel Ibitoye

A recent statement by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has sparked outrage among corps members and sparked a virtual protest on social media. The NYSC claimed that the government has not issued an official directive to increase the monthly allowance of corps members to the new minimum wage of ₦70,000, despite the recent increment in the national minimum wage.

The news has been met with widespread criticism and disappointment, with many corps members taking to social media to express their discontent. On X, a popular social media platform, users have been sharing their thoughts and experiences using hashtags such as #NYSC and #MinimumWage.

Many have argued that the current allowance of ₦33,000 is inadequate, especially considering the current economic conditions in the country. @promizchuks tweeted, “The economy of the country is extremely bad now, that even the ₦70,000 won’t last a month without support from family and friends.”

Others have described the situation as “evil” and “slave-like,” with @RDamsy tweeting, “₦33,000 for Corpers in 2024 is EVIL!!! We are not slaves!!! We are graduates!!! Pay us the minimum wage or scrap the entire NYSC!”

The controversy has also raised questions about the treatment and welfare of corps members, who are often deployed to unfamiliar locations across the country. @leosmartt tweeted, “You took us to a land we aren’t familiar with, we didn’t complain, now you don’t want to increase our allowance, do you people even bother to know how we are surviving??”

The online protest has gained momentum, with many calling for the government and NYSC to reconsider their stance on the minimum wage. As @aronvic98 tweeted, “We no go gree!!” (We won’t agree).