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Corps Member Raye has unintentionally sparked change in Nigeria after her viral criticism of the government’s handling of the economy led to widespread conversations about hardship. Following her outcry, the Federal Government has announced a new monthly NYSC allowance of N77,000, effective March 2025.
In a widely circulated video, Raye expressed frustration over rising food prices and the struggles faced by National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members. She criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, pointing out that corps members’ stipends were too low to cover transportation costs, making it difficult for them to survive.
Her comments struck a chord with many Nigerians, fueling online debates and putting pressure on the government to act.
Shortly after the uproar, the Federal Government confirmed that it had commenced payment of N77,000 to NYSC members, aligning with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024, which raised the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 per month.
The National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission approved the increase in September 2024, but corps members were still receiving N33,000 as of February 2025. The delay raised concerns, especially as the government had allocated N430.7 billion to NYSC in the 2025 budget, with N372.9 billion set aside for corps members’ allowances.
Raye’s words may have been unintentional activism, but they helped illuminate the economic struggles of Nigerian youth, ultimately leading to government action.
