extra commitments with the responsibilities of their service year presents a significant challenge.
Hauwa, a stylist, further said, “It’s tough to juggle a side job while still fulfilling my PPA responsibilities. The allowance is not enough to cover the basics, so I try to make extra money where I can. But it’s exhausting, and sometimes I worry it might affect my service performance.”
In response to corps members’ challenges, some Places of Primary Assignment (PPA) have reportedly started reducing the number of working days required for corps members.
The decision aims to alleviate the financial strain on corps members by reducing their commuting costs.
A corps member serving in one such PPA, Ogechi, said, “My PPA reduced our working days to two to help with the transport expenses. It has been helpful because commuting every day is just too costly. It’s a temporary solution, but at least it’s some relief while we wait for the allowance increase.”
Stakeholders have therefore urged the government to address the delay in implementing the new allowance, as the current financial strain is pushing many to the breaking point.
Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Abuja chapter, Dr Sylvanus Ugoh, lamented that corps members barely survive in this economy with that amount.
“While they’ve publicly announced the new allowance, corps members still receive N33,000, barely covering rising transport costs. This amount is insufficient, especially given their increasing expenses for basic transportation.”
Source: Leadership
