The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a compulsory one-year national service programme for young Nigerian graduates. The programme encourages unity and cultural integration. Every year, thousands of graduates join the service to serve their father’s land.
The Federal Government of Nigeria pays every corps member a monthly allowance of N77,000, but the amount varies across states of the federation. Some state governments offer additional allowances and incentives for serving as corp members, making these selected states more competitive among prospective corp members, especially as they need more money to cover basic needs amid the country’s rising cost of living.
Some states add extra monthly stipends or incentives to the federal allowance, while others provide accommodation, transportation, or other benefits. As the cost of living rises in 2025, many prospective Corp members want to know which states offer the highest allowance.
In this article, we will explore the top 11 states in Nigeria that pay NYSC Corp members the most allowance and incentives in 2025. Based on reports from serving corps members and government announcements.
1. Abia State – ₦50,000
Abia State has recently joined the list of states that pay corps members the most. The State Government announced an increase in the monthly allowance for National Youth Service Corps members from 4,000 to 50,000, bringing it in line with the federal government’s 77,000 monthly allowance. With these increments, all corps members serving in Abia State earned a base salary of ₦120,000.
If you are a recent graduate planning to join the National Youth Service Corp, you may want to consider Abia State as your place of primary assignment.
2. Lagos State – ₦40,000
Lagos state remains a dream destination for all NYSC members. Nigeria’s economic centre doesn’t just offer young graduates career opportunities but also a mouth-watering monthly allowance for corp members serving in the state.
Depending on their PPA, NYSC members can earn up to ₦40,000 per month from the state government in addition to the federal government’s ₦77,000 monthly allowance, making Lagos State one of the highest-paying states for corps members.
3. FCT (Abuja) – 40,000
The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is a destination of choice for prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps. The Nigeria’s capital city offers a safe and serene environment for corpers with a whopping monthly allowance of ₦40,000 each month.
Corp members working in government ministries and embassies receive an additional stipend. However, the cost of living and accommodation is high, making corps members choose to serve in a nearby town.
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4. Rivers State – ₦35,000
Rivers State, especially Port Harcourt, is also a good place for Corps members to serve. The state government pays allowances starting from ₦35,000, depending on the place of primary assignment.
Oil companies and private firms in Rivers State often pay higher allowances to Corps members in administrative or technical roles. The state government also sometimes gives bonuses and welfare packages, especially to those serving in health, education, or environmental sectors.
5. Akwa Ibom State – ₦30,000
Akwa Ibom is known for its welfare-friendly policies. The state pays an average of ₦30,000, especially to Corps members posted to government ministries, secondary schools, and state parastatals.
Friendly locals and a moderate cost of living make Uyo and its surroundings a great place to serve. Many Corps members say Akwa Ibom offers one of the best NYSC experiences in Nigeria.
6. Enugu State – ₦25,000
Enugu, known as the “Coal City,” pays its Corps members well, especially those posted to state government offices. Corpers receive between ₦25,000 per month. The city’s low cost of living makes it even more comfortable for Corp members serving there.
7. Delta State – ₦25,000 to ₦30,000 per month
Delta State is another top-paying destination for NYSC members. Corps members serving in state ministries or schools get about ₦30,000 each month, plus the federal allowance.
With bustling industrialization, many top companies hire Corps members as interns, offering a high monthly stipend in addition to the federal government’s N77,000 allowance.
8. Ogun State – ₦25,000
Ogun State pays Corps members between ₦25,000 and ₦35,000 a month, depending on their place of assignment. The state government also gives small grants for community development service (CDS) projects.
Ogun has a lower cost of living than Lagos, giving you a good balance between decent allowances and affordable living. Many Corps members also use the chance to network and gain experience in nearby Lagos.
9. Kano State – ₦20,000
Kano is the only northern state to pay NYSC members the highest monthly allowance. Depending on their PPA corps members serving in Kano state earn between 20,000 and 30,000, especially those serving in government secretariats and hospitals.
10. Cross River State – ₦20,000
Cross River is one of the most peaceful and beautiful states in Nigeria. The state government pays about ₦20,000 to ₦30,000 each month to Corps members, especially those in public schools and health centers.
With its tourist attractions, natural scenery, and moderate cost of living, Calabar gives Corps members comfort and enjoyment during the service year.
11. Anambra State – ₦15,000
Anambra State rounds out the list, offering Corpers ₦15,000 to ₦25,000 depending on the ministry or PPA. Corpers in cities like Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi get better stipends and more opportunities to work in the private sector.
The state also rewards outstanding Corps members at passing-out ceremonies with grants and certificates of excellence.
Other Incentives: States That Offer Non-Cash Benefits
Other states do not pay a high allowance; they offer non-monetary incentives to corps members, such as:
- Free Accommodation (e.g., Osun, Ekiti, and Plateau States)
- Feeding and transport allowance.
- End-of-service or passing out bonuses.
These benefits reduce corps members’ living costs in the state throughout their service year, even though it’s not direct cash.
Conclusion
Whether you are a serving corps member or a fresh graduate planning to participate in the one-year compulsory national service, it is important to think beyond just the monthly allowance offered by your PPA Instead, consider states that offer more career opportunities, safety, and accommodation.
States like Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Kaduna may offer higher monthly allowances to corps members, but Lagos, Abuja, Delta, and Rivers states offer more career opportunities for young graduates.
NYSC offers young Nigerian graduates unique experiences, cultural blends, and exposure. Use this period to build skills and make meaningful contributions to national growth.
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