posted 16th March 2025
Nigerian NYSC Member Threatened Over TikTok Video Criticising Economic Hardship
LAGOS, Nigeria – A young Nigerian woman, known only as Raye, has found herself at the centre of a brewing controversy after posting a TikTok video highlighting the dire economic conditions in Nigeria. The video, which has since sparked widespread discussion, was met with a swift and intimidating response from officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who allegedly threatened her to remove it less than 24 hours after it was uploaded.
In the now-viral TikTok post, Raye, a serving NYSC member, passionately voiced her frustration over the escalating cost of living under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Addressing the economic struggles faced by millions of Nigerians, she labelled Tinubu a "terrible president" and decried the hardships that have left many unable to afford basic necessities. Her candid remarks struck a chord with viewers, amplifying the video across social media platforms as citizens echoed her sentiments amid Nigeria’s worst economic crisis in a generation.
However, the boldness of her statement quickly drew the attention of NYSC authorities. According to sources close to the situation, Raye received a phone call from NYSC officials within 24 hours of posting the video. She was reportedly summoned and pressured to delete the footage, with threats of unspecified repercussions if she failed to comply. The incident has raised concerns about freedom of expression in Nigeria, particularly for young people involved in the mandatory national service programme.
The NYSC, established in 1973 to foster unity and development following the Nigerian Civil War, requires university graduates to serve a year in various parts of the country. While the programme aims to promote national integration, it has faced criticism in recent years over its handling of corps members and its sensitivity to public dissent. Raye’s experience has reignited debates about the organisation’s role and whether it stifles the voices of Nigeria’s youth.
Nigeria’s economic woes have worsened since President Tinubu took office in May 2023, with policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira contributing to soaring inflation and a plummeting currency value. Food prices have surged by over 40%, and the monthly minimum wage—unchanged since 2019 at 30,000 naira (roughly £11 at current exchange rates)—has left many struggling to survive. Raye’s video tapped into this widespread discontent, reflecting the frustration of a generation grappling with unemployment, insecurity, and an uncertain future.
Social media reactions have been swift, with many Nigerians rallying behind Raye. Posts on X have called for the video to be shared widely to defy the alleged suppression, with users condemning the NYSC’s response as an overreach of authority. “This is the reality we’re living, and they want to silence her for speaking the truth,” one X user wrote. Others have questioned why a programme meant to empower young Nigerians would resort to intimidation over a critique of government policy.
As of Saturday, 15 March 2025, it remains unclear whether Raye has removed the video or if further action has been taken by the NYSC. The organisation has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. Meanwhile, the episode has spotlighted the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s youth, who are increasingly turning to platforms like TikTok to express their grievances in a country where dissent is often met with resistance.
Raye’s story is a stark reminder of the tension between Nigeria’s younger generation and the institutions that govern them, as well as the power of social media to amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard—albeit at a cost. For now, her TikTok post continues to circulate, a symbol of both defiance and the precarious state of free speech in Africa’s most populous nation.
