Top 14 Best States For NYSC Corpers To Serve In Nigeria

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is an initiative by the Nigerian government that requires fresh graduates to serve their country for one year. The service year involves being posted to various states in the country to work and contribute to the development of the communities they are assigned to.

As a corper, being posted to a favorable state can make a huge difference in your experience and overall outlook on the NYSC program. In this article, we will be looking at the top best states for corp members to serve in Nigeria.

Factors To Consider While Selecting Best States To Serve

• Security
•  Cost of living
•  Job opportunities
• Closeness to home and of course
•  State allowance.

Best States To Serve As An NYSC Member

1. Lagos State

Lagos State is one of the most popular and populous states in Nigeria. It is known for its vibrant lifestyle and bustling economy. As a corper, serving in Lagos gives you access to a wide range of opportunities in terms of employment, social life, and personal development. Lagos also has some of the best NYSC orientation camps in the country.

Lagos state is the commercial capital of Nigeria and so, staying in Lagos isn’t cheap. Any corps member posted to Lagos will find it difficult to deal with the huge accommodation, transportation costs, and feeding costs.

Notwithstanding, the state offers higher job opportunities than most states in Nigeria, and this is what makes it a major attraction for corps members.

Security-wise, Lagos is one of the safest places for a Corp member in Nigeria. Irrespective of petty crimes like pickpocketing that are rampant in crowded areas in Lagos, corp members posted to Lagos need not worry about killings, bombings, or any major security concern.

NYSC: How Much Nigeria States Pays Corps Members

2. Abuja State

Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, is another great state for corp members to serve in. It is known for its serene environment, excellent infrastructure, and social amenities. Abuja also has a thriving social scene, which makes it easy for corps members to connect with people and build their network.

Because it is the nation’s capital, Abuja also has good roads, electricity and amazing security, and provides its corp members with several job opportunities in NGOs, ministries, private firms, etc.

Although Abuja doesn’t pay corp members plus the high cost of living, many corpers still want to serve there because it is very easy to make reasonable connections in Abuja if you play your cards well.

You won’t end your service year before you find a lucrative job, as most of the private companies pay high salaries and allowances to corps members.

3. Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom is known for its beautiful scenery, rich culture, and friendly people. As a corper, serving in Akwa Ibom gives you the opportunity to experience a different culture and way of life. The state also has a high demand for teachers, which makes it easy for corps members to secure teaching jobs.

Akwa Ibom is arguably the most “developed” state in Nigeria after Abuja and Lagos. If you serve in Akwa Ibom, you will fall in love with the place.

Akwa Ibom is very safe with low crime rate and feeding is very cheap, transportation cost is dirt-cheap, housing cost is reasonable, and the lifestyle is great.

4. Ogun State

Ogun State is known for its industrialization and economic growth. As a corper, serving in Ogun State gives you access to job opportunities in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. The state also has a relatively low cost of living, which makes it easy for corps members to save money.

Most areas in Ogun state, including Abeokuta, have several beautiful houses at affordable rates, incredibly cheap food, transport fare is well within reasonable prices, and security is tight.

There are several job opportunities for corpers in Ogun state, as it is home to some of the biggest companies and factories in Nigeria.

5. Enugu State

Enugu State is known for its beautiful scenery, rich culture, and friendly people. As a corper, serving in Enugu gives you the opportunity to experience the Igbo culture and way of life. The state also has a low cost of living and a good social scene.

Food is cheap, low crime rate, good road network, transportation is fair, security is tight and the people in the state are very kind to strangers.

6. Rivers State

Rivers State is known for its oil and gas industry, beautiful scenery, and friendly people. As a corper, serving in Rivers State gives you access to job opportunities in the oil and gas sector. The state also has a vibrant social scene, which makes it easy for corps members to connect with people and build their network.

The state capital Port Harcourt, is a good and enjoyable place to serve, especially if you’ve a striving spirit and mentality. In PH, you could get the cheapest seafood in Nigeria.

The cost of living, housing, and transportation and security in the state depends on the area you’ll be staying.

There’s a wide range of opportunities present in Rivers State, Port Harcourt. If you serve in the State Capital, Port Harcourt, you might end up serving in a big oil company.

7. Cross River State

Cross River State is known for its beautiful scenery, rich culture, and friendly people. As a corper, serving in Cross River gives you the opportunity to experience the Efik culture and way of life. The state also has a good social scene and low cost of living.

If you stay there during the Christmas celebration, you won’t regret serving in Cross River State, as you may have time to experience the biggest cultural carnival in Nigeria.

Cross River is also a state with so many opportunities, especially for those who studied maritime or transport-related courses.

8. Osun State

Osun State is located in the southwestern region of Nigeria. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and tourist attractions. As a corper, serving in Osun gives you the opportunity to experience the Yoruba culture and way of life. The state also has a low cost of living and good social amenities.

9. Edo State

Edo State is located in the southern region of Nigeria. It is known for its rich culture, tourist attractions, and friendly people. As a corper, serving in Edo gives you the opportunity to experience the Edo culture and way of life. The state also has a thriving social scene and low cost of living.

10. Bayelsa State

Bayelsa State in the south-south geopolitical zone is an oil-producing state, making it one of the richest in Nigeria in terms of revenue. This state is often referred to as the Niger Delta region, which is the oil-producing region of the country.

There’s a wide range of opportunities present in Bayelsa State.

11. Niger State

Niger state is arguably the most “secure” state in Northern Nigeria. If you’re looking for where to serve and get out without drama, head straight to Niger state.

Niger state can boast of cheap housing, food transportation and stable electricity because of the presence of the Kainji Dam in the state.

You should not expect so much from Niger state in terms of job opportunities and you’re likely to be posted to a public or private school as PPA.

12. Delta State

Delta is a state located in the southern part of Nigeria. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Corps members posted to Delta can expect to be immersed in the state’s culture while gaining valuable work experience.

Rivers State: Rivers is a coastal state located in the southern part of Nigeria. It is known for its rich oil reserves and bustling port cities. Corps members posted to Rivers can expect a diverse cultural experience and plenty of opportunities to explore the state’s natural beauty.

13. Oyo State

Oyo state is one of the cheapest states to live in Nigeria. That’s because almost everything you need in this state comes at anbaffordable price compared with the high standard of living there. The cost of housing is meagre, and the cost of transportation is also pretty low.

Foodstuff is really cheap in Oyo State. There are a lot of things you can buy for less than the price it is sold in other states. So, it is most likely that your monthly allowance from the Federal government will go a long way for you in the month.

14. Kano State

Kano is one of the major cities and a major commercial hub in Nigeria and presently, it is relatively peaceful.

Kano is one of the best northern state for NYSC service you will enjoy living in if you find yourself there. Things are very cheap in Kano and the cost of living is quite affordable, which makes it a major attraction to most corpers, as they can save most of their allowance.

Kano has more industries than any other state in Northern Nigeria, which provides job opportunities for both corps members and those who choose to remain after their service year.

In conclusion, corps members posted to any of the states listed above can expect a positive experience. While some states offer better opportunities than others, it is important to remember that the NYSC program is aimed at promoting national unity and development. Corps members are expected to contribute to their host communities and gain valuable experiences that will prepare them for the future.