A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Lagos State has raised alarm over alleged threats from NYSC officials after she publicly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The Corps member, who shared her grievances in an emotional TikTok video under the handle @talktoraye, expressed deep frustration over the skyrocketing cost of living in Nigeria.
In the video, she tearfully lamented how inflation has severely affected her ability to afford basic commodities. She specifically called out the Tinubu-led government, describing it as “terrible” for failing to address the rapid increase in food prices and other essential goods. She argued that if more Nigerians voiced their struggles, the government might be compelled to take action.
She highlighted her personal struggles as an NYSC member, explaining that her monthly allowance barely covers transportation costs, let alone rent and daily expenses. According to her, the price of food items changes almost every week, making it difficult to budget effectively. She recounted her shock at the price of a crate of eggs, which she claimed had risen to N6,500, compared to when it was just N800.
Beyond food prices, she pointed out other economic burdens such as high security and electricity bills, which she noted had doubled. She also expressed her frustration over the poor state of infrastructure in Lagos, describing the city as foul-smelling and poorly maintained. Additionally, she criticized the cost of ride-hailing services, stating that a single Uber ride could cost as much as N25,000, making transportation unaffordable for many.
Her comments did not go unnoticed. Just 24 hours after posting the video, she shared another clip revealing that she was receiving calls from NYSC officials instructing her to take down her post. In the recording, an official was allegedly heard questioning her sanity, demanding that she remove the video immediately. She claimed she continued to receive multiple calls from NYSC representatives, pressuring her to stop criticizing the government.
Despite these threats, the Corps member stood by her statements, arguing that young Nigerians should speak up about the economic hardship they face. She insisted that the NYSC scheme has offered little benefit to her and many others, as their stipends fail to cover even basic expenses.
Efforts to get an official response from the acting NYSC spokesperson, Caroline Embu, were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls at the time of reporting. The incident has since sparked debate online, with many Nigerians weighing in on the increasing economic hardships and the perceived suppression of free speech by government institutions.