Beyond the federal ₦77,000 monthly allowance, some state governments pay extra money to corps members. If you’re curious about which states pay the most (or whether your state pays at all), this guide breaks it down.
What is State Allowance?
State allowance is additional money some state governments pay to corps members serving in their state. It’s separate from:
- Federal NYSC allowance (₦77,000)
- PPA allowance (if your workplace pays)
- Local government allowance (if your LGA pays)
Important: State allowance is NOT guaranteed. It depends on the state government’s budget, priorities, and the governor’s policy.
Why Some States Pay and Others Don’t
States that pay extra allowance usually:
- Have stronger internally generated revenue (IGR)
- Want to attract corps members to their state
- Value youth development programs
- Have governors who prioritize NYSC welfare
States that don’t pay often:
- Have budget constraints
- Don’t see it as a priority
- Rely heavily on federal allocation
- Have limited IGR
Top Paying States (2024-2025)
These states are known for paying the highest state allowances:
1. Lagos State
Monthly Allowance: ₦15,000 – ₦20,000
Payment Regularity: Generally consistent
Why They Pay Well: Highest IGR in Nigeria, strong economy
Additional Benefits:
- Some LGAs pay extra (₦5,000-₦10,000)
- Good infrastructure and opportunities
- Many corps members prefer Lagos despite cost of living
2. Rivers State
Monthly Allowance: ₦15,000 – ₦20,000
Payment Regularity: Usually regular
Why They Pay Well: Oil-rich state with good revenue
Additional Benefits:
- Some PPAs in Port Harcourt pay well
- Better allowance than many other southern states
3. Akwa Ibom State
Monthly Allowance: ₦15,000 – ₦18,000
Payment Regularity: Fairly regular
Why They Pay Well: Oil revenue, progressive government policies
4. Bayelsa State
Monthly Allowance: ₦12,000 – ₦15,000
Payment Regularity: Usually consistent
Why They Pay Well: Oil-producing state
Note: Living costs in Bayelsa can be high, so factor that in.
5. Delta State
Monthly Allowance: ₦10,000 – ₦15,000 Payment Regularity: Generally regular Why They Pay Well: Oil revenue
6. Ogun State
Monthly Allowance: ₦10,000 – ₦12,000
Payment Regularity: Fairly regular
Why They Pay Well: Proximity to Lagos, decent IGR
7. Oyo State
Monthly Allowance: ₦8,000 – ₦12,000
Payment Regularity: Can be irregular
Why They Pay: Political will, decent economy
8. Edo State
Monthly Allowance: ₦8,000 – ₦10,000
Payment Regularity: Varies
Why They Pay: Moderate IGR
9. Cross River State
Monthly Allowance: ₦8,000 – ₦10,000
Payment Regularity: Sometimes irregular
Why They Pay: Tourism revenue, youth-focused policies
10. Kwara State
Monthly Allowance: ₦5,000 – ₦8,000
Payment Regularity: Varies
Why They Pay: Government priority
States with Low or No Allowance
Many states pay little or nothing extra:
Northern States (Most):
- Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Borno
- Typical Allowance: ₦0 – ₦5,000 (if any)
- Payment: Very irregular or non-existent
Some Eastern States:
- Ebonyi, Abia (varies by administration)
- Typical Allowance: ₦0 – ₦5,000
- Payment: Irregular
Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa:
- Typical Allowance: ₦0 – ₦5,000
- Payment: Irregular
Important Note: These figures change with new governors and budget situations. Some states that paid well before might stop, and vice versa.
When State Allowances Are Paid
State allowance payment schedules vary:
Best Case Scenario:
- Paid monthly alongside federal allowance
- Usually last week of the month
- Directly to your account
Common Reality:
- Paid quarterly (every 3 months)
- Paid bi-annually (every 6 months)
- Paid as lump sum at end of service year
- Sometimes not paid at all despite promises
First Payment Timing:
- Usually starts 2-4 months after reporting to PPA
- Some states pay arrears from Month 1
- Others pay only from when budget is approved
Factors Affecting State Allowance
1. State Budget Approval
If state budget is not approved or delayed:
- Allowance payment is delayed
- Some states skip payments entirely
- Arrears might or might not be paid later
2. Governor’s Priority
When new governors come in:
- They might increase allowance
- They might reduce or stop it
- Payment regularity might change
3. Economic Conditions
During tough times:
- States cut allowances first
- Payment becomes irregular
- Some states owe months of arrears
4. Your PPA Type
Some states prioritize:
- Corps members in schools (because of teacher shortage)
- Those in government agencies
- Specific sectors they want to develop
Others pay everyone equally (if they pay at all).
How to Claim State Allowance
Automatic Payment (Most States):
- If your state pays, it’s usually automatic
- Goes to the same account as federal allowance
- No separate application needed
Manual Collection (Some States):
- You need to register at state NYSC office
- Fill forms with bank details
- Follow up regularly
- Collect payment vouchers
Through LGI:
- Some states channel payment through Local Government Inspectors
- You’ll be notified when to collect
- Might require physical presence
Ask your LGI or fellow corps members about your state’s payment process.
Should State Allowance Affect Your Choice?
Consider this realistically:
If redeployment is possible:
- High allowance states can make service year more comfortable
- Lagos/Rivers allowance helps offset high living costs
- But focus on PPA opportunities too (more important long-term)
If you’re already deployed:
- No point stressing about it
- Many corps members survive without state allowance
- Focus on side hustles instead
Reality Check: Even high-paying states might:
- Delay payments for months
- Owe arrears they never pay
- Stop paying mid-service year
Don’t build your budget around state allowance. See it as bonus if it comes.
What to Do If Payment is Delayed
If your state is supposed to pay but hasn’t:
- Confirm payment status:
- Ask your LGI
- Check with NYSC state office
- Ask other corps members in your batch
- Join collective action:
- Don’t fight alone
- Work with your batch representatives
- Write collective petition if necessary
- Be patient but persistent:
- Follow up monthly
- Keep records of what you’re owed
- Some states pay arrears at end of service year
- Don’t let it affect your service:
- Don’t abscond because allowance no dey come
- Focus on completing your service successfully
- The discharge certificate is more important
- Use official channels:
- Write through proper NYSC channels
- Don’t insult government officials online
- Professional complaints work better
Maximizing Your Total Income During NYSC
Since state allowance is unreliable, diversify your income:
1. Secure Good PPA
- PPAs that pay (₦50,000-₦150,000) beat state allowance
- Focus energy on finding good PPA instead
2. Start Side Hustles
- Freelancing online
- Weekend tutoring
- Small trading
- Skills you learned at camp
3. Budget Federal Allowance Well
- Don’t depend on state allowance for essentials
- Save federal allowance small small
4. Look for LGA Allowance
- Some LGAs pay ₦5,000-₦10,000
- Ask your LGI about it
5. Network for Opportunities
- Paid gigs and consulting
- Event hosting/compering
- Social media management for businesses
Many corps members earn more from side hustles than from state allowance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do federal civil servants get state allowance? Usually no. If you’re posted to federal agencies, state allowance might not apply.
Can I get state allowance if I’m redeployed? You get allowance for the state where you eventually serve, not your original posting.
What if I serve in my state of origin? You still get the allowance (if your state pays). Your origin doesn’t matter.
Is state allowance taxed? No. Like federal allowance, it’s not taxed.
Can I claim arrears after service year? Possible but difficult. Most states don’t pay arrears after you pass out. Fight for payment before POP.
Do Abuja corps members get state allowance? FCT (Abuja) has its own allowance system, separate from states. Ask your LGI for details.
Final Thoughts
State allowance is nice but unpredictable. Here’s the truth:
Don’t choose states based on allowance alone – PPA opportunities and personal growth matter more
Don’t let delayed allowance spoil your service year – it’s just 11 months, you’ll survive
Focus on what you can control – side hustles, networking, skill development
Save whatever extra you get – service year allowances (federal + state) should help you save for post-NYSC life
Many successful people served in states that paid nothing. Your success during and after NYSC depends more on your hustle than state allowance.
Wherever you serve, make the best of it!