NYSC State Allowance: See What Corps Members are Paid by Each State

Prospective and serving corps members looking for information on NYSC state allowance are usually trying to answer one simple question: Will the state I’m posted to pay anything extra?

If you’re one of them, this question has likely been on your mind long before you get your call-up letter. You see different figures online but it’s hard to know what to believe. One person says their state of service pays well, while others say theirs doesn’t pay at all. Then you hear stories of allowances stopping halfway through service.

This is why the topic often feels confusing.

The truth is that having the right information matters. It affects how you plan your service year, shapes your expectations, and can even influence how you feel about your posting before camp starts.

Unlike the federal government allowance, the NYSC state allowance is neither fixed nor guaranteed. What you get depends on the state you are posted to, the policy in place at the time, and sometimes even where you are serving within that state.

In this breakdown, you’ll see how NYSC state allowances differ across states, how payments usually work over time, and what you should realistically expect in 2026.

Difference Between NYSC Federal Allowance and State Allowance

The first thing to clarify is that the NYSC federal allowance and state allowance are not the same thing, and they do not originate from the same source.

The Federal Government pays the federal allowance of 77,000 naira to every serving corps member across Nigeria. It is the same amount for everyone and once you are duly registered and cleared, you are entitled to receive it monthly throughout your service year.

The NYSC state allowance is different as it is paid by the state government. This payment is optional and depends entirely on the policy of the state you are posted to. Some states pay consistently, some pay irregularly, while some do not even pay at all.

Another key difference is certainty. Federal allowance is predictable. State allowance is not. A state that pays this year may stop next year or delay payments for months. In some cases, only corps members serving in specific government-owned PPAs receive it.

Understanding this difference early helps you set realistic expectations. Federal allowance is what you can count on. Any state allowance should be seen as extra support, not something to depend on when planning your service year.

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Why NYSC State Allowance Is Not the Same Across Nigeria

NYSC state allowance varies because there is no national rule guiding it. Unlike the allowance from the federal government, states are free to decide if they want to support corps members and how much they are willing to pay.

One major factor is economic capacity. States with stronger internally generated revenue often have enough resources to introduce or sustain an NYSC allowance. For states that are already struggling to meet basic obligations, paying corps members is usually not a priority.

Policy changes by the governors also matter. A state may introduce an allowance under one administration and suspend it under another. This is why you will hear different stories from people who served in the same state at different times.

There is also the issue of structure. In some states, allowance is handled at the local government or ministry level rather than centrally. This means two corps members in the same state can receive different treatment depending on where they are posted.

In some cases, allowance also depends on qualification. Within the same state, certain corps members may receive a different allowance because of their professional background. Medical doctors and other health professionals are a common example because they are sometimes paid differently compared to other corps members.

All of these factors explain why there is no single standard for NYSC state allowance across the country.

Factors That Affect NYSC State Allowance

Even within a state that is known to pay the NYSC state allowance, not every corps member has the same experience. A few clear factors usually determine what happens.

Type of PPA

The place of primary assignment matters a lot. Corps members serving in state-owned institutions, ministries, or government hospitals are more likely to receive state allowance than those posted to private schools or private companies. In most states, only government PPAs are captured in the allowance system.

State Government Policy and Funding

This is the backbone of everything. If the state government has an active policy supporting corps members and the funds to back it up, payments are more likely to happen. Once funding becomes tight or priorities change, allowances are often delayed or stopped.

Payment History and Consistency

A state’s payment history is usually the best predictor of what to expect. Some states have a record of paying regularly, even if the amount is small. Others pay only occasionally or build up backlogs. This is why serving corps members’ experiences are often more reliable than old online posts.

Breakdown of NYSC State Allowance Across Different States

Below is a breakdown of the NYSC state allowance paid by the 36 states and the FCT. It’s important to note that while some states do not pay any allowance directly, corps members in such states may still receive reasonable stipends from their PPAs, sometimes even higher than what is paid in states that offer the NYSC state allowance.

Also, in many states that do not pay regular corps members, those with medical-related qualifications often receive special consideration or separate welfare arrangements.

1. Abia State: In November 2025, Governor Otti announced an increase in the NYSC state allowance to 50,000 naira. However, many corps members say this increase has not reflected in actual payments, which is why it is often described as an audio increase. As of now, corps members do not receive any allowance directly from the state government. The places of primary assignment however pay corps members at the end of every month, depending on their agreement.
2. Adamawa: Adamawa State pays 30,000 naira as NYSC state allowance to corps members in both public and private establishments. To discourage early relocation, payments typically begin after three months. That said, several corps members report that payments are not always consistent.
3. Akwa Ibom: The NYSC state allowance in Akwa Ibom was recently increased from 5,000 to 20,000 naira. Payments are not always consistent, but backlogs are usually cleared when payment resumes. The state also supports its indigenes serving in other states with the same amount.
4. Anambra State: The official figure is often quoted as 9,000 naira but corps members typically receive about 8,500 naira after deductions. This allowance is paid only to those serving in government establishments and usually runs for 10 or 11 months.
5. Bauchi: Bauchi State does not pay any NYSC state allowance to corps members.
6. Bayelsa State: Bayelsa operates a tiered payment structure. Corps members in urban areas receive 6,000 naira, those in rural areas receive 8,000 naira, while those in riverine areas are paid 10,000 naira. Payments are made quarterly, meaning corps members receive the allowance four times in a year, covering the full twelve months when summed up.
7. Benue: Benue State pays 15,000 naira monthly to corps members for ten months. In addition, PPAs are expected to pay at least 5,000 naira. Medical corps members receive significantly higher payments, with doctors reportedly earning up to 100,000 naira.
8. Borno: Borno State pays 5,000 naira as NYSC state allowance but payments are irregular. Some corps members report receiving payments for only a few months throughout their service year.
9. Cross-River State: The Cross-River government does not pay any NYSC state allowance.
10. Delta: Delta State pays a lump sum allowance at the end of the service year to corps members who served in public establishments. Regular corps members receive about 60,000 naira. Medical doctors receive up to one million naira, while other health professionals receive between 200,000 and 400,000 naira.
11. Ebonyi: Ebonyi State does not pay the NYSC state allowance.
12. Edo State: Just like Ebonyi, Edo State doesn’t pay any allowance to corps members.
13. Ekiti: The Ekiti State government also does not pay NYSC state allowance.
14. Enugu: In Enugu State, corps members posted to rural areas receive about 3,800 naira, while those in urban areas receive only 800 naira. Payments are irregular, and many corps members receive it only a few times during the service year. In August 2025, Governor Mbah announced an increase to 20,000 naira but the implementation has yet to be felt.
15. Gombe State: Gombe does not have any budget for NYSC state allowance.
16. Imo State: Ndi Imo does not pay corps members any allowance.
17. Jigawa State: The Jigawa government pays 5,000 naira to corps members serving in public establishments. Health practitioners receive about 16,000 naira, while medical and veterinary doctors receive around 26,000 naira.
18. Kaduna: Kaduna State does not pay NYSC state allowance.
19. Kano State: Kano government does not have any arrangements for NYSC state allowance.
20. Katsina: Katsina State does not pay the NYSC state allowance.
21. Kebbi State: Kebbi does not pay regular corps members. However, veterinary doctors receive about 67,000 naira, and similar arrangements are believed to exist for other medical professionals.
22. Kogi: Kogi State does not pay NYSC state allowance. Corps members usually receive about 3,000 naira as transport support at the end of service.
23. Kwara State: We can all agree that the “KKK” States have something in common because Kwara doesn’t pay as well.
24. Lagos State: Like most states, the Lagos State government doesn’t pay corps members serving in private organizations. However, they pay around 20,000 naira through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development for those serving in government establishments. Health practitioners are most likely going to be paid differently.
25. Nasarawa: Nasarawa State pays 5,000 naira as NYSC state allowance and payments are generally consistent.
26. Niger State: The Niger government does not pay regular corps members. Medical corps members receive about 50,000 naira monthly.
27. Ogun State: Ogun doesn’t pay NYSC state allowance despite being a popular choice due to its proximity to Lagos.
28. Ondo: Ondo State pays 10,000 naira to corps members serving in public establishments. Corps members in private organizations often receive higher payments as LGIs usually insist on a minimum of 15,000 naira. Medical corps members in the State are paid a minimum of 53,000 naira.
29. Osun State: Osun government pays 5,000 naira to corps members in public institutions. Medical doctors receive about 202,000 naira, nurses receive around 70,000 naira, and other health professionals receive about 40,000 naira.
30. Oyo State: The Oyo State government pays 15,000 naira monthly and payments are consistent. Medical corps members receive between 54,000 and 100,000 naira, depending on role. In addition, the state pays 13th-month salary to workers, including corps members.
31. Plateau: Plateau State does not pay NYSC state allowance.
32. Rivers: Rivers State pays 15,000 naira to corps members in public institutions and 10,000 naira to those in private organizations. Payments are made only for the last six months of service.
33. Sokoto State: Sokoto government does not pay NYSC state allowance.
34. Taraba: Taraba State pays 6,000 naira monthly, although payments are not consistent.
35. Yobe State: Yobe also does not pay NYSC state allowance.
36. Zamfara: Zamfara State pays 10,000 naira, but payments are irregular and sometimes made as a lump sum after several months. In April 2025, Governor Lawal announced an increase to 20,000 naira, but corps members are yet to experience this change.
37. FCT (Abuja): The Federal Capital Territory does not pay NYSC state allowance. However, many PPAs in Abuja pay relatively decent stipends to corps members.

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Things to Note About NYSC State Allowance

NYSC state allowance can be helpful, but it should never be the foundation of your plans. A lot of disappointment during service comes from expecting more than what is realistic.

Budget Realistically as a Prospective Corps Member
When planning your service year, your safest assumption is the federal government allowance. NYSC state allowance should be treated as a bonus. This approach helps you avoid financial pressure if payments are delayed or stopped without notice.

Don’t Choose a State Based on Allowance Alone
It’s understandable to prefer states that are known to pay. However, allowance alone should not be the only factor you consider. The cost of living, security, and the nature of your posting often matter just as much, sometimes even more.

Don’t Follow the Online Crowd Blindly
Information about NYSC state allowance spreads fast online, but not all of it is accurate. Policies change, payments stop, and figures get exaggerated. The most reliable updates usually come from currently serving corps members or recent batches, not old posts or forwarded messages.

Don’t Make Long-Term Financial Commitments
Some corps members make the mistake of committing to rent, gadgets, or responsibilities, assuming the state allowance will continue. This is risky. Payments can stop or delay without notice, even in states that are known to pay.

Focus on the Bigger Picture
Allowance matters, but it’s only one part of the NYSC experience. Skills you pick up, connections you build, and opportunities you create during service often outlast whatever extra money you receive monthly.

That brings us to the end of this piece. I hope you found the information helpful.

If you’re currently serving and your state pays differently from what’s shared here, feel free to drop your experience in the comment section. Your input can help other prospective corps members get a clearer and more up-to-date picture.