Some members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) currently serving in various states across the country have appealed to Bola Tinubu for an increase in their monthly allowances.
These corps members, expressing their concerns under the umbrella of Concerned Corps Members, highlighted the challenges they face due to the high cost of living.
In an open letter addressed to Tinubu and obtained by PUNCH Online on Sunday, they emphasized that the escalating prices of goods and services have compelled them to seek additional sources of income through menial jobs.
The corps members pointed out that the current monthly allowance of N33,000 is insufficient to meet their basic needs, especially considering the prevailing economic conditions.
They stressed the urgent need for a review of their allowances to alleviate their financial burdens and enable them to cope better with the rising cost of living.
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The letter read in part, “We would like to respectfully advocate for the inclusion of NYSC corp members in the recent wage increment initiatives. As young graduates who have committed to a year of service to our great nation under the sun and in the rain, with dedication and selflessness, we play a crucial role in various sectors, contributing to national development, community building, and the implementation of government programmes at the grassroots level.
“The skyrocketing prices of goods and services in the local markets only exacerbate our frustrations. Some necessities have become unaffordable luxuries, pushing many corps members to the brink of despair.
“It is a widely known fact that the economic situation of the country needs more coping skills, because of this, many of us find ourselves serving in challenging environments with higher costs of living.
“As a result of this, many of us resort to fetching and drinking water from streams and even going to farms to render services in exchange for food. These activities endanger our lives and expose us to unfavourable conditions that will harm us sooner or later.”
They called on the NYSC authority to address the unfavourable working conditions experienced by some corps members at their primary places of assignment.
In response, the NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, acknowledged the concerns raised by the corps members. He assured that their issues would be examined, emphasizing the commitment of the Federal Government to incorporate the welfare of corps members into its initiatives aimed at easing the challenges faced by the populace.
“Inflation is all over the country and everyone is affected. The NYSC is part of the government and the government understands that the NYSC is there. We want to believe, just as the DG told pressmen in Lagos when he visited the Lagos camp, that this government is a youth-friendly government and whatever will be done to civil servants, corpers would also receive a pat on the back.
“It is not the duty of the NYSC to increase the allowance of corps members, it is the duty of the FG. Bearing in mind that this government is a youth-friendly government, it would surely do something concerning the allowances of corps members when the wages of civil servants are reviewed,” Megwa disclosed.
