An NYSC member’s complaint on Lagos’s stench and rising living costs has sparked debate, raising questions about the programme’s relevance, and the realities corps members and Nigerians at large face.
A video shared by a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member has ignited widespread discussions about the relevance of the programme in today’s Nigeria, amongst other concerns. In the video, the corps member expresses her frustration over the stench in Lagos, and the high cost of living. However, the situation escalated when an NYSC official allegedly called her, instructing her to take the video down — a move that has only fuelled public discourse.
Amnesty International strongly condemns threats and intimidation directed at a lady who posted TikTok video lamenting the current escalating economic hardship. The lady alleged that NYSC officials @officialnyscng threatened her for refusing to delete the video. pic.twitter.com/zvCq7KoUiz
— Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) March 16, 2025
The Initial Complaint and NYSC’s Response
The NYSC member’s video highlights the challenges of living in Lagos, particularly its environmental conditions and rising expenses. Shortly after posting, she reportedly received a call from an NYSC official, urging her to delete the video.
Like seriously NYSC is really looking for this girl ooo and people are also threåtening her for speaking up?
https://t.co/MpIzunddYs pic.twitter.com/rmI1Gx5zsq
— CHUKS
(@ChuksEricE) March 15, 2025
This development raises questions about the organisation’s stance on freedom of expression, and how it handles grievances from corps members.
Public Reactions and the Larger Debate
The incident has sparked conversations on social media, with many questioning the continued relevance of NYSC in its current form. Several commentators argue that the programme, originally designed to foster national unity, has not evolved to meet the realities of modern Nigeria.
One of the central themes in the debate is the cost of living, particularly in cities like Lagos. Many users pointed out that corps members are often posted to locations where their stipends barely cover basic expenses.
Ajah to obalende is 1k.
That’s 40k gone on transport, then when you add food that is 20k gone.
So, the corp member will use 17k in a month to buy airtime, data, and sanitary pad.
No hair
No deodorant
No body wash
No groceries
No perfume https://t.co/nRoK3zljlu— Osi (@Osi_Suave) March 16, 2025
Oppression everywhere must be resisted
And the NYSC reps threatening her probably have not had a 3-square meal today.
What sort of nonsense govt do we have
A child is crying and you are threatening the child for crying when you made the child cry. https://t.co/HZYj3skAIS
— Morris Monye (@Morris_Monye) March 15, 2025
Critics also highlighted the environmental issues in Lagos, including waste management and pollution, which have long been a concern for residents.
Before Nigeria can make any meaningful progress, we must first get rid of this culture of silence. It is a shame that in this day and age, a call for better conditions for citizens of the country would elicit threats from slaves who are themselves, victims of this failed state. https://t.co/vBlqzlsLLe
— Superstar Osas
(@OsasOkonyon) March 15, 2025
Some argue that the corps member’s comments reflect the lived experiences of many Nigerians rather than a mere personal complaint.
Calls for Reform
Prominent voices, including activists and political figures, have weighed in on the discussion, calling for a reassessment of the NYSC programme. Some have suggested that participation should be optional or that corps members should be better compensated and provided with improved living conditions.
Raye is all of us, and any attempt to oppress and silence her is a direct assault on citizens liberty.
We run a constitutional democracy and not a monarchy where the people are subjects to a king. Hence, citizens have a moral and constitutional right to dissenting views and… https://t.co/BzS1xzrNnu
— Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (@GRVlagos) March 16, 2025
This incident comes amid broader concerns about governance, infrastructure, and economic hardship in Nigeria. While some argue that NYSC still plays a vital role in fostering national integration, others believe it needs urgent restructuring to remain relevant in today’s socio-economic climate.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether this debate will lead to tangible reforms in the NYSC scheme, or if it will be dismissed as another fleeting social media controversy.
This is a developing story, and discussions around it continue to evolve. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
