Imagine stepping out of NYSC orientation camp with ₦77,000 in your account from the federal government—then adding another ₦30,000 from your host state. That’s a significant boost to your monthly survival in today’s economy. But which state actually gives corps members the highest total pay?
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a one-year mandatory program for Nigerian graduates under 30, aimed at promoting national unity and youth development. Every corps member receives a federal “allawee” (allowance) monthly, but only about 40% of states pay extra stipends. These state bonuses vary widely—from ₦2,000 to as high as ₦30,000 per month—and depend on each state’s budget and governor’s commitment.
With inflation rising and living costs surging across Nigeria, knowing which states pay the most can help you plan your service year wisely. And as of November 2025, Adamawa State tops the chart with ₦30,000 extra per month—making it the best-paying NYSC state in Nigeria. Let’s break down the full list.
Federal NYSC Allowance: The Baseline Everyone Gets
In 2025, the federal NYSC allowance increased from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000 per month following the national minimum wage adjustment. The new rate took effect in March 2025 and applied to all active corps members, including arrears for January and February.
The NYSC Director-General confirmed the increase during a March 2025 press briefing, noting that the adjustment aligns with the federal minimum wage review. Payments are processed via the Remita platform directly into corps members’ bank accounts, and verification through biometric clearance remains mandatory.
Breakdown of Federal Allowance:
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Monthly base pay: ₦77,000
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Bicycle allowance: ₦6,400 (one-time after camp)
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Transport allowance: ₦3,600 (to and from camp)
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Local transport stipend: ₦2,800 (for redeployment/local travel)
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Arrears: ₦44,000 lump sum (June 2025 adjustment)
Although the new federal allowance has improved living standards, inflation of over 25% still means many corps members rely on side hustles, PPA stipends, or state bonuses to make ends meet. The DG also reminded corps members to “save their allawee—it’s the seed for future growth.”
State Allowances: The Extras That Make a Difference
While the NYSC Act does not require states to pay extra allowances, several state governments voluntarily provide stipends to motivate and support corps members posted to their regions. In 2025, around 13 states continued this practice—though amounts and payment consistency vary.
Adamawa: The Highest Paying NYSC State in 2025
Adamawa State leads the nation with an additional ₦30,000 monthly stipend for all corps members. The announcement came on August 1, 2025, from Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri during the Batch B Stream I orientation at Damare Camp, Yola.
Key Facts about Adamawa’s NYSC Allowance:
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State allowance: ₦30,000 monthly
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Combined total: ₦107,000 (Federal + State)
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Payment promptness: Monthly, without delay
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Additional benefits: Free food supplies to camps (15 cows, 75 bags of rice, and oil donations per batch)
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Infrastructure: Ongoing ₦500 million investment in a new NYSC camp facility
Governor Fintiri’s initiative—popularly known as “Fintiri Allawee”—began in 2024 with ₦10,000 and has tripled within a year. The relatively low cost of living in Yola (average rent ₦10,000–₦12,000) means corps members can save more while enjoying a secure and welcoming environment.
Full List of State NYSC Allowances
Not every state pays, but among those that do, some stand out for consistency and generosity. Below is the verified list of NYSC state allowances based on official releases and corps members’ reports.
| State/FCT | Extra Allowance (₦/month) | Total with Federal (₦) | Notes/Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adamawa | 30,000 | 107,000 | Official; increased Aug 2025; prompt payments and food support. |
| Akwa Ibom | 20,000 | 97,000 | Official; raised from ₦5,000 in Aug 2025; low living cost. |
| Rivers | 20,000 | 97,000 | Reported; oil-rich; security challenges in some LGAs. |
| Benue | 15,000 | 92,000 | Reported; paid every 2–3 months; rural-friendly. |
| Oyo | 15,000 | 92,000 | Reported; consistent for education and health PPAs. |
| Lagos | 10,000–20,000 | 87,000–97,000 | Selective; higher stipends for public PPAs; high living costs. |
| Anambra | 8,000–8,500 | 85,000–85,500 | Reported; minor delays but steady. |
| Taraba | 6,000 | 83,000 | Reported; varies by LGA; rural and eco-friendly. |
| Bayelsa | 3,000–10,000 | 80,000–87,000 | Reported; higher in remote LGAs. |
| Delta | 5,000–10,000 | 82,000–87,000 | Reported; engineering and oil sector-friendly. |
| Enugu | 5,000–10,000 | 82,000–87,000 | Reported; education-based PPAs. |
| Jigawa | 5,000 | 82,000 | Reported; stable and agriculture-focused. |
| Kano | 5,000–10,000 | 82,000–87,000 | Reported; commerce-heavy PPAs. |
| Osun | 5,000 | 82,000 | Reported; not always verified. |
| Sokoto | 5,000 | 82,000 | Reported; secure environment. |
| FCT (Abuja) | 0–10,000 | 77,000–87,000 | No formal extra; high cost of living. |
| Other States (e.g., Ebonyi, Imo, Kaduna, Kwara, Ondo, Zamfara, etc.) | 0 | 77,000 | No confirmed payments; focus on PPA stipends. |
Sources: State government announcements, NYSC forums, and media reports (August–October 2025).
Beyond the Money: What Else Matters
A higher state allowance can make your service year more comfortable, but it’s not everything. Other factors—like safety, housing, PPA quality, and career exposure—often outweigh raw pay.
Pros of High-Paying States:
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Better savings potential (Adamawa corpers save 25–30% more)
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Motivation and morale boost
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Added perks like free accommodation and transport refunds
Cons:
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Higher cost of living in urban centers (Lagos, Abuja)
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Occasional delays in state payments
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Security concerns in certain regions
Many corpers now consider both financial and lifestyle benefits when ranking their ideal states.
Tips for Prospective Corpers
If you’re about to start your NYSC year, here are ways to make the most of your allowance:
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Plan Your Posting Smartly: Choose states that balance pay with cost of living. Redeployment is possible on medical or security grounds.
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Maximize PPA Earnings: Some PPAs (banks, NGOs, schools) pay ₦20,000–₦50,000 monthly on top of federal pay.
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Track Payments: Always confirm your bank details on the NYSC portal and use the NYSC mobile app for updates.
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Budget Wisely: Apply the 50–30–20 rule—50% needs, 30% savings, 20% leisure.
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Start Side Hustles: Freelancing, teaching, or small trading can cushion expenses.
Remember, financial discipline during service year can build a foundation for post-NYSC life.
Conclusion
In 2025, Adamawa State stands tall as the highest-paying NYSC state, offering ₦30,000 on top of the ₦77,000 federal allowance—making a total of ₦107,000 monthly. But beyond the numbers, the best posting is where you can grow, learn, and contribute meaningfully.
Serving soon? Share your dream posting in the comments below, and subscribe to LearnHub Nigeria for the latest NYSC Batch C updates, state news, and job opportunities.
