Corp member raises alarm over threat by NYSC for labeling Tinubu’s govt ‘terrible’

A serving corps member in Lagos State has alleged receiving threats from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) following a social media post in which she criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

In a TikTok video posted via the handle @talktoraye, the corps member, visibly distressed, expressed frustration over the rising cost of living.

She accused the government of failing to address the persistent increase in commodity prices.

“If Nigerians start speaking up about what we are going through, maybe things will change. I don’t know if any other president has been as terrible as this, but this administration is truly disappointing,” she stated.

She also lamented that her NYSC stipend was insufficient to cover basic living expenses, saying she spends more on transportation than she receives as an allowance.

“I just returned from a supermarket, and once again, prices have gone up. Every week, things become more expensive. What is the government doing to stop this? A crate of eggs now costs N6,500—I remember when it was just N800. It’s overwhelming because this is my first time living away from my family home.”

The corps member further complained about high utility costs, expensive transportation, and poor sanitation in Lagos.

“My security and electricity bills have doubled. Every penny I earn goes into paying bills. Even taking an Uber with a friend costs N25,000. Lagos has a terrible stench—what is the government doing about it? NYSC has not been beneficial to me. The transport fares alone cost more than the allowance we receive. It’s time to hold the government accountable. Tinubu, what are you doing to fix our economy?”

A day after sharing the video, she posted another clip showing an NYSC official calling her, allegedly demanding that she take down the post. The official was heard asking, “Are you normal?” before ordering her to remove the video.

The corps member claimed she had been receiving multiple calls from NYSC officials warning her to stop making critical remarks about the government.

Efforts to reach the acting NYSC spokesperson, Caroline Embu, for a response were unsuccessful, as she did not answer calls at the time of reporting.