Akure, Nigeria – July 19, 2025
A video making the rounds on X (formerly Twitter) has reignited debates over the financial realities of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Nigeria, after a young corps member was seen flaunting a luxuriously furnished apartment in Akure, the Ondo State capital. The post, shared by @yabaleftonline, has since gone viral, with Nigerians questioning how such a lifestyle could be sustained on the official NYSC allowance of ₦77,000 per month.
An Apartment Beyond a Corps Member’s Paycheck?
The video showcases a stylish, well-furnished apartment, complete with modern amenities:
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A large flat-screen television
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A sleek entertainment unit
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A luxurious grey sofa with gold accents
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A fully stocked bar with various alcoholic beverages
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Other high-end interior decorations
Given Nigeria’s current economic climate, the lavishness of the living space raised eyebrows. Many questioned the plausibility of affording such accommodation and decor solely on an NYSC stipend, despite the recent minimum wage-related increase in the allowance announced by President Bola Tinubu in September 2024.
Economic Reality vs. Perception
While the NYSC allowance was raised from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000 to reflect the new national minimum wage, the reality of Nigeria’s 33% inflation rate and escalating costs of essentials such as food, rent, and transportation has left many corps members struggling.
Livingcost.org reports the average cost of living in Akure at around $635 per month (approximately ₦1 million annually), while the median monthly salary stands at just $97.9. These figures further fuel skepticism about the video’s authenticity and whether such a lifestyle is realistically attainable for someone on an NYSC allowance.
Social Media Reactions: Mixed and Amused
Reactions from users on X reflect widespread disbelief and humor. Comments like:
@talk2_joseph: “Even if he does NYSC for 10 years, he cannot put this together.”
@barafalee_unf: “77k no fit run am, ko koshi lo.”
@lilxemmy678: “On top 77k, this guy dey chop wire ooo.”
These sentiments capture the prevailing view that the corps member likely has access to supplementary income, whether through family wealth, side hustles, or other undisclosed sources.
Broader Questions on Youth Sustainability
This viral moment has once again spotlighted broader concerns about the financial viability of Nigeria’s youth, particularly those fresh out of university and conscripted into a mandatory service year. Despite periodic increases, the NYSC stipend continues to lag behind the realities of urban living costs.
Experts argue this case highlights the disconnect between state policies and real-life affordability, especially for young Nigerians seeking to build financial independence. The NYSC itself has not commented on the incident, but the ongoing debate underscores calls for greater transparency about income expectations and realistic living standards for corps members.
Conclusion: A One-Off or a Symptom?
Whether this corps member’s luxury lifestyle is an exception, embellishment, or misrepresentation, the viral video has intensified conversations about youth financial sustainability, minimum wage efficacy, and the lived experiences of Nigeria’s graduates.
As the conversation continues online, it raises fresh questions: Is the NYSC allowance truly fit for purpose, or is it time for a broader re-evaluation of how Nigeria supports its young workforce?
Stay with News House for more updates on youth affairs, NYSC policies, and the evolving cost of living across Nigeria.
