The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a one-year mandatory service program for all Nigerian graduates under the age of 30.
During their service year, corps members are posted to states other than their home states to contribute to the development of the country.
The NYSC program aims to foster national unity, patriotism, and skills acquisition among Nigerian youths.
One of the major benefits of the NYSC program is the monthly allowance that corps members receive from the federal and state governments.
The allowance is meant to cover the basic needs and expenses of corps members during their service year. However, the amount of allowance varies depending on the state of deployment and the cost of living in that state.
Some states pay more than others, while some do not pay at all. This can affect the quality of life and the satisfaction of corps members in different states.
In this blog post, we will explore how much NYSC salary and allowances per state are in 2024, based on the latest information available on the internet.
We will also compare and contrast the different states and regions in terms of their payment and living conditions for corps members.
Finally, we will give some tips and advice for prospective corps members on how to choose their state of deployment and how to manage their finances during their service year.
How Much is NYSC Allowance?
According to the latest information available, the federal government allowance for NYSC corps members in 2024 is N33,000 per month. This is an increase from the previous allowance of N19,800 that was paid until 2023. However, this amount may not be enough to cover the expenses of corps members in some states, especially those with high cost of living.
That is why some state governments also pay additional allowances to corps members serving in their states. The amount and frequency of these state allowances vary from state to state, and sometimes from sector to sector. Some states pay as high as N10,000 per month, while some pay as low as N1,000 or nothing at all.
NYSC Allowance Per State
The table below shows the state allowances for NYSC corps members in 2024, based on the web search results . Note that these figures are subject to change and may not reflect the current reality in some states.
State | Allowance (N) |
---|---|
Abia | 5,000 |
Adamawa | 10,000 |
Akwa Ibom | 10,000 |
Anambra | 8,500 |
Bauchi | 1,250 |
Bayelsa | 3,000 |
Benue | 0 |
Borno | 10,000 |
Cross River | 3,090 |
Delta | 5,000 |
Ebonyi | 15,000 |
Edo | 0 |
Ekiti | 0 |
Enugu | 10,000 |
FCT | 4,000 |
Gombe | 4,000 |
Imo | 0 |
Jigawa | 5,000 |
Kaduna | 3,000 |
Kano | 4,000 |
Katsina | 4,000 |
Kebbi | 2,000 |
Kogi | 0 |
Kwara | 25,000 |
Lagos | 15,000 |
Nasarawa | 3,000 |
Niger | 6,000 |
Ogun | 5,000 |
Ondo | 0 |
Osun | 5,000 |
Oyo | 4,000 |
Plateau | 0 |
Rivers | 15,000 |
Sokoto | 4,000 |
Taraba | 10,000 |
Yobe | 0 |
Zamfara | 3,000 |
As you can see from the table, the state allowances range from N0 to N25,000 per month, with an average of N5,882 per month. This means that the total monthly allowance for corps members in 2024, including the federal allowance, ranges from N33,000 to N58,000, with an average of N38,882.
However, the amount of allowance is not the only factor to consider when choosing your state of deployment. You also need to consider the living conditions, security, culture, and opportunities in each state.
Some states may pay more, but have higher expenses, lower security, or fewer opportunities. Some states may pay less, but have lower expenses, higher security, or more opportunities.
For example, Lagos State pays N15,000 per month, which is one of the highest state allowances. However, Lagos is also one of the most expensive and congested states in Nigeria, with high rent, transportation, and food costs.
It may be difficult to save money or enjoy your service year in Lagos, unless you have other sources of income or support.
On the other hand, Lagos also offers a lot of opportunities for networking, learning, and career development, especially for corps members in the private sector.
Another example is Kwara State, which pays N25,000 per month, which is the highest state allowance. However, Kwara is also one of the least developed and most rural states in Nigeria, with poor infrastructure, health care, and education.
It may be challenging to adapt to the lifestyle and culture of Kwara, especially for corps members from urban areas. On the other hand, Kwara also offers a chance to experience a different environment, culture, and community, especially for corps members in the public sector.
Therefore, it is important to do your research and weigh the pros and cons of each state before making your decision. You can also consult with your seniors, mentors, or friends who have served or are serving in different states to get their insights and advice. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and you should make the best of your service year, regardless of where you are posted.