By Chiagoziem Laurina Abosi
For many corps members across Nigeria, the unpaid ₦77,000 backlog from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) isn’t just a delay—it’s a crisis. The rising cost of living, stagnant stipends, and uncertainty about when or if their allowances will be paid have left many struggling to survive.
“We have given a year of service to the country, yet we can’t even trust the government to keep their promise,” said Abiola Badmus, a youth corper in Lagos. “Rent, food, transport—everything is getting more expensive, but our allowances remain the same. How are we supposed to cope?”
For Sarah Udoh, serving in Abuja, survival has meant cutting down on essentials. “I used to take a bike to my PPA, but now I walk most days to save money. I skip meals too. It’s hard because we’re expected to serve, yet we’re struggling just to get by.”
A number of corps member share the same frustration with several complaints of costly food items, transportation and rent. They are also expected to carry on like everything is fine. Jenifer who is almost rounding off her service year describes how corps members as feeling trapped. “Many of us come from struggling homes. We were counting on this money. Now, some of us have to borrow just to make it to the end of the month. It’s embarrassing.”
The Raya Issue and Its Implications
The outrage over unpaid stipends comes amidst the controversial case of Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, a serving corps member who reportedly faced backlash for publicly criticizing the government’s handling of youth welfare. The #30DayRantChallenge, which she participated in, has sparked national conversations on free speech and economic hardship.
According to another corper, Dagogo Ibiye, “She voiced what a lot of us are feeling. Her courage is commendable, but the fear of punishment is real. In Nigeria, speaking out against the government can come with serious consequences, especially for corps members. This just shows how restricted free speech can be, especially for young people just trying to survive.”
But the issue goes beyond unpaid stipends, it is also about freedom of expression. For the young people who are also impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, it is about a system that refuses to listen. The issue is that corp members were promised a raise, and are simply asking for what was promised. If the government cannot fulfil this obligation, how can the young people trust them with bigger promises? It is uncertain if the Raye’s case may put pressure on authorities to act, but for now, youth corpers remain in limbo—waiting for payments they were promised, struggling against rising costs, and watching as those who dare to speak up face repercussions.
