NYSC Won’t Increase Allowance, But They’ll Find Time to Silence You

Apparently, you can’t be broke and have an opinion in Nigeria. At least, that’s the lesson Ushie Rita Uguamaye,also known as Raye, a Lagos-based NYSC corps member, is learning after posting a TikTok video criticizing the government. Her crime? Stating the obvious; times are tough, and the cost of living is out of control. But instead of addressing the economic struggles she highlighted, NYSC officials decided the real issue was her audacity to speak up.

What Happened?

Raye, like many young Nigerians, took to social media to vent her frustrations. In her now-viral video, she called out President Tinubu’s administration, labeling him a “terrible president” and questioning how corps members were supposed to survive when basic necessities had become luxury items. She pointed out how prices had skyrocketed, with things like eggs going from N800 per crate to N6,500.

For context, NYSC corps members receive a monthly allowance of N33,000. But in today’s Nigeria, that’s barely enough for transport, let alone food and rent. It’s no surprise that many corps members are forced to juggle side hustles just to survive.Raye wasn’t making things up; she was simply saying what many Nigerians already feel.

But NYSC officials were not amused. She was summoned to the Eti Osa 3 local government office, where she claims she was pressured to delete the video and stop criticizing the government. One official allegedly questioned her sanity for daring to speak her mind. The message was clear: silence your opinions or face consequences.

The Bigger Picture: Is Complaining Now a Crime?

This situation raises important questions about freedom of expression and economic hardship in Nigeria.

1. Why should corps members stay silent? The NYSC is a national program, but corps members are still citizens with rights. If an ordinary Nigerian can criticize the government, why should those in khaki be an exception?
   
2. Why focus on her video instead of the economy? Raye’s complaints weren’t false. The cost of living is rising at an alarming rate, and many Nigerians are struggling. Yet, rather than addressing these realities, officials are more concerned with controlling narratives online.
   

This isn’t the first time young Nigerians have been targeted for speaking up. The government has a long history of suppressing voices that challenge the status quo, from student protests to online activism. The difference now is that social media gives people an unfiltered platform, and no amount of NYSC summons can stop people from talking.

The Harsh Reality for NYSC Corps Members

For many corps members, the NYSC year is meant to be a stepping stone into the workforce, but it often turns into a financial survival game. The monthly stipend barely covers transportation, let alone feeding and accommodation. Some have to rely on side hustles just to get by, while others move back home to reduce expenses.

And yet, when they speak up about these struggles, they are silenced. It’s a frustrating cycle where young Nigerians are expected to endure hardship quietly while the cost of living continues to climb.

Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, young graduates are supported with job placements, housing incentives, and unemployment benefits. In Nigeria, they’re told to “manage” on stipends that can’t even cover basic expenses.

NYSC, Do Better

The NYSC was created to foster national unity and development, not to police free speech. If anything, the program should encourage young Nigerians to be engaged citizens who question and demand better. Telling corps members to “just manage” is not a solution.

At this point, what’s more offensive: complaining about the economy or the fact that there’s something to complain about in the first place?

One thing is certain; whether on TikTok, Twitter, or while standing in line for overpriced food, Nigerians will always talk. No summons will change that.

What do you think? Should corps members have the freedom to speak their minds, or should they “manage” in silence? For more stories on the latest news, career and job updates, visit Inside Success Nigeria and follow us on @InsideSuccessNigeria for more insights!