BREAKING: NYSC Extends Influencer Raye’s Service Year by Two Months After Criticizing Tinubu’s Government

Economic Hardship Criticism Sparks Controversy Over Freedom of Expression in Nigeria

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reportedly extended the service year of Nigerian influencer Ms. Rita Ushie, popularly known on social media as Raye, by two months following her viral criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

This development has ignited fresh debates on freedom of expression, youth rights, and government accountability, as the country grapples with worsening economic hardship. According to Sahara Reporters, the NYSC sanctioned Raye after a series of her online posts went viral, in which she lamented the deteriorating economic situation under the Tinubu administration.

TJ News Nigeria gathered that Raye’s criticism resonated with many young Nigerians, who face rising inflation, a volatile naira, surging fuel prices, and escalating unemployment. The influencer’s outburst drew widespread attention across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).

What Triggered the Controversy?

Raye’s comments were reportedly prompted by the daily economic struggles faced by Nigerian youth, including NYSC members who receive a federal monthly allowance of ₦33,000. The influencer questioned how corps members could survive on such an amount given the current cost of living.

In one of her widely circulated posts, Raye wrote:

“We’re suffering in this country. NYSC pays us ₦33k in a country where fuel is almost ₦900, transport is expensive, food is out of reach, and nobody in government cares. We can’t even speak because they will come for us. But I will speak, even if it costs me.”

These remarks struck a nerve with many Nigerians, especially young people undergoing their mandatory one-year national service, who described her words as “brave” and “representative of the frustrations of millions.”

However, the NYSC reportedly viewed her conduct as inappropriate and against the expected decorum of corps members.

NYSC’s Alleged Disciplinary Action

While the NYSC has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, Sahara Reporters claims that Raye was formally informed of the extension of her service year. The purported reason was misconduct related to her social media activity, which allegedly violated NYSC regulations on public conduct and the use of social media by serving corps members.

TJ News Nigeria learned that the extension effectively means Raye would have to serve an additional two months before she can be issued her NYSC discharge certificate, which is a mandatory requirement for certain employment opportunities in Nigeria.

Sources within NYSC have hinted that the organization cited indiscipline and violations of service conduct rules as grounds for the punitive action. However, many have raised concerns that the disciplinary process may be influenced by political considerations rather than purely administrative reasons.

Legal and Civil Rights Reactions

Human rights advocates and legal experts have since condemned the alleged extension, calling it an abuse of administrative power. Many are pointing to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression under Section 39.

A Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Barrister Kunle Ajayi, speaking to TJ News Nigeria, noted:

“The NYSC, as an institution, is obligated to maintain discipline, but when discipline becomes selective or is used as a tool of political punishment, that’s a violation of the constitutionally guaranteed rights of that citizen. Criticism of public officials or governance cannot be classified as misconduct in a democracy.”

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) also posted on X, urging the NYSC to respect the fundamental rights of Nigerians, including corps members.

Youth Reactions and Social Media Outcry

Since the news broke, several hashtags have emerged in solidarity with Raye. Popular trends include #IStandWithRaye and #LetRayeGo on X. Many users accused the NYSC of acting on behalf of powerful individuals in the government who are uncomfortable with public criticism.

One user wrote:

“Why punish Raye for saying the truth? We are all hungry. Inflation is killing us. Extending her NYSC is nothing but oppression.”

Others argued that her action exposed the growing disconnect between Nigeria’s leaders and its struggling youth population, many of whom are turning to social media to vent their frustrations about poor governance and a lack of opportunities.

Economic Hardship and Tinubu Administration Criticism

Raye’s criticism of the federal government comes amid deepening economic hardship across Nigeria. Since President Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy in 2023, transportation costs have skyrocketed, causing ripple effects on food prices, rents, and everyday essentials.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates that Nigeria’s inflation rate stood at over 33% in May 2025, the highest in decades. The naira continues to struggle against the US dollar, compounding Nigeria’s economic woes.

Many commentators on social media have argued that Raye merely voiced what millions of Nigerians are experiencing.

TJ News Nigeria reports that this case is yet another example of increasing public frustration with how critical voices are handled under Tinubu’s administration, especially among younger Nigerians who form a significant portion of the voting population.

NYSC Silent Amid Growing Pressure

As of this report, the NYSC headquarters has yet to release a public statement addressing the allegations. Repeated efforts by journalists to contact the NYSC spokesperson have gone unanswered.

Meanwhile, legal experts are calling on Raye to challenge the decision in court should the NYSC proceed with the extension on grounds of speech-related misconduct. Doing so could set a judicial precedent affirming whether criticizing government actions constitutes misconduct under NYSC regulations.

TJ News Nigeria will continue monitoring developments and provide updates as new information emerges.