A serving corps member in Lagos State has raised concerns over alleged threats from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) after her social media post criticizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In a video shared on TikTok via the handle @talktoraye, the corps member, visibly emotional, lamented the rising cost of living and described Tinubu’s government as “terrible” for not addressing the continuous increase in commodity prices.
She stated, “If more Nigerians speak up about what we are experiencing, perhaps there will be change. I don’t know if there has ever been a president as terrible as this, but this is truly a terrible government.”
She also expressed frustration over the financial strain of the NYSC scheme, noting that her expenses far exceed the stipend provided by the federal government.
“I just returned from a supermarket where I went to buy foodstuff, and prices have increased yet again. Every week, things get more expensive. What is the government doing about this? Is there a point where prices will stop rising? I was told a crate of eggs now costs N6,500—this is insane. I remember when eggs were N800. I’m overwhelmed because this is the first time I’ve lived outside my family home.”
She further complained about high utility bills, expensive transportation, and the poor sanitary conditions in Lagos.
“After shopping, I returned home to find my security and electricity bills had doubled. Every penny I earn goes to paying bills. Even taking an Uber with a friend costs N25,000. Lagos stinks—what is the government doing about it? NYSC has not been beneficial to me. The transportation costs I incur are higher than my stipend. We need to call out the government. Tinubu, what are you doing to fix our economy?”
Barely a day after posting the video, she shared another clip showing an NYSC official calling her, reportedly instructing her to delete the video. The official was heard asking, “Are you normal?” before ordering her to take it down.
The corps member revealed that she had received multiple calls from NYSC officials warning her against criticizing the government.
Attempts to contact the acting NYSC spokesperson, Caroline Embu, for comments were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls at the time of reporting.