NYSC corps members are frustrated after receiving ₦33,000 instead of the promised ₦77,000 allowance, sparking the viral 'Na ₦33k' trend. Learn about the expectations and government promises.
Leading up to the September payment, there was an overwhelming sense of anticipation among NYSC corps members nationwide. After years of paying ₦33,000 as their monthly allowance for Corpers, the Federal Government had announced a significant increase in their stipends to ₦77,000.
This came as part of the broader implementation of the new ₦70,000 national minimum wage law, which was signed by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024. Corps members were eagerly awaiting the financial relief, especially considering the escalating cost of living in Nigeria.
What Heightened the Expectations of Corps Members
In a statement released on September 25, 2024, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) confirmed that the new allowance would take effect starting from July 2024. This meant that corps members were not only expecting ₦77,000 for September but also arrears payments covering the months of July and August.
The official statement, delivered by NYSC spokesperson Caroline Embu, cited a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission affirming the increase, further raising corps members' expectations.
However, when the much-awaited September allowance arrived, corps members were shocked to find they had only received the previous ₦33,000 allowance. This created widespread frustration, as many had already made plans based on the promise of receiving ₦77,000. The disappointment felt by corps members quickly spilled over onto social media, where "NA ₦33K" began trending.
The Social Media Uproar, With “NA ₦33K”
The hashtag "NA ₦33K" became a viral expression of the shock and anger corps members felt, particularly given that official statements had reinforced the expectation of the higher payment.
On platforms like Twitter and Instagram, corps members shared memes, sarcastic comments, and personal stories about how the ₦33,000 fell far short of what they needed to cope with the rising cost of living.
Some corps members even began to question the transparency and accountability of the Federal Government and the NYSC, as the promised ₦77,000 failed to materialize without any clear explanation.
This social media uproar reflects not just frustration over the allowance discrepancy but also deeper concerns about the challenges corps members face in Nigeria. Many of them rely on the NYSC allowance for basic living expenses, and the hope of a larger stipend had offered them some financial security.
With the delayed implementation of the ₦77,000 allowance, corps members are left feeling neglected and uncertain about what to expect in the coming months.