Published 31st May, 2023

There have been protests over the delay in payment of the members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

This follows President Tinubu’s inaugural speech stressing the removal of fuel subsidies.

The statement has triggered an increment in pump prices and hiked the cost of living.

In the early hours of Tuesday, NYSC members on Twitter expressed their displeasure with the delay in the payment of their monthly stipend.

Joseph, a corps members serving in Osun State, told FIJ that the delay was unexpected at a time things were getting more expensive.

“The effect of this is bad on me. I buy my food items monthly. And there is this panic sale and buying going in my area because of the fear of fuel subsidy removal. It is crazy,” he said.

Emmanuel, serving in Katsina State, said “the delay in payment does not make any sense, not even at the time things are getting expensive daily”.

For Hussaina Ibrahim, a Nasarawa-born corps member serving in Ondo State, the feeling is similar.

“I feel financially frustrated,” she said. “Transport fare to my work has increased, and I am yet to receive the money I thought I would use for back-up.”

NYSC is a mandatory one-year service for every Nigerian graduate under the age of 30.

Over the years, the programme has come under intense criticism. While many believe it has outlived its essence, some think it’s highly beneficial.

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