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Ikiodiete George
- 4 Min Read
Nysc 2025: Best Cities To Save Money During Service
Let’s be honest — NYSC is not just about serving Nigeria, it’s also about learning how to survive on a budget. Between your ₦77,000 allawee (FG + state for some lucky ones), rising transport fares, daily food costs, and that jollof you buy every Friday to celebrate survival — your bank account can start looking like an empty sachet water.
But what if I told you there are places in Nigeria where you can serve, spend less, and even save a good chunk of your monthly allowance?
This guide is for all corpers who don’t want to finish NYSC and enter January broke.
Why Saving During NYSC is Important
Before we jump into the list, let’s settle this:
| Reason to Save | Why It Matters |
| Start-Up Capital | Use your savings to start a small hustle after NYSC |
| Emergency Funds | For health, travel, or "my village people are calling me" cases |
| Job Hunting After NYSC | Life after service isn’t always instant-employment |
| Financial Discipline | It builds the habit of budgeting early in life |
Now let’s explore the best Nigerian cities where you can save real money during your service year.
Best Cities to Save Money During NYSC in 2025
1. Ibadan, Oyo State – The Affordable Big City
Ibadan is the king of “low cost, high life.” Rent is cheap, transport is affordable, and you can eat 3 square meals a day with less than ₦1,500.
| Feature | Details |
| Accommodation | Shared rooms: ₦3,000–₦5,000/month |
| Food | Affordable (Amala, beans, etc) |
| Transport | Taxis/bikes: ₦100–₦300 |
| Extras | Lots of fun spots on a budget |
Pro Tip: Look for PPA in schools or health centers where you can also get free lodging.
2. Ilorin, Kwara State – Calm and Cost-Friendly
Ilorin is peaceful, with a low cost of living and plenty of government schools where corpers serve. It’s also one of the safest cities in Nigeria.
| Feature | Details |
| Accommodation | ₦2,000–₦4,000/month |
| State Allawee | ₦5,000+ (varies) |
| Transportation | Keke is king – very cheap |
| Cost of Living | Generally low |
Pro Tip: Some PPAs in Ilorin provide monthly stipends and accommodation.
3. Calabar, Cross River – Nature + Savings Combo
Calabar is not only beautiful but also affordable. Food is cheap, people are friendly, and if you're lucky, you might get placed in one of the state’s quiet health centers or schools with accommodation.
| Feature | Details |
| Accommodation | ₦3,000–₦5,000/month |
| Food | Cheap and tasty local meals |
| Security | Very safe |
| State Allawee | ₦5,000 (as at 2025) |
Pro Tip: Use weekends to enjoy the city’s natural sights — most are free!
4. Minna, Niger State – Quiet, Safe, and Cheap
Minna is a top pick for introverts and money-savers. Not much “owambe” distraction, so your wallet stays fat.
| Feature | Details |
| Rent | ₦2,500–₦4,000/month |
| Meals | Affordable local dishes |
| Entertainment | Minimal — more savings! |
| Security | Stable and peaceful |
Pro Tip: State secretariats in Niger often accept corpers and offer bonuses.
5. Umuahia, Abia State – Simple Life, Small Spending
Abia is often overlooked, but Umuahia is a solid choice for corpers who want peace and cheap living costs.
| Feature | Details |
| Rent | ₦3,000–₦5,000/month |
| Feeding | Below ₦1,000/day possible |
| Utilities | Cheap and mostly constant |
| Transportation | Intra-city very cheap |
Pro Tip: A few schools in Abia provide food and housing for corpers — ask around!
6. Makurdi, Benue State – Farm Life = Free Food
This is Nigeria’s food basket, and it shows. Tomatoes, yam, rice, and even fresh fish are affordable. If you love home-cooked food, this place is for you.
| Feature | Details |
| Food | Super cheap and fresh |
| Accommodation | ₦2,000–₦4,000/month |
| Transport | Basic and manageable |
| Lifestyle | Rural but peaceful |
Pro Tip: Befriend locals — many will give you free foodstuff!
Bonus Cities That Help You Save Money
| City/State | Why It’s Great |
| Jalingo, Taraba | Cheap rent, low transport, friendly locals |
| Lafia, Nasarawa | Affordable living near Abuja (but without Abuja prices) |
| Abakaliki, Ebonyi | Quiet, very low cost of living |
| Awka, Anambra | Clean, organized and relatively affordable |
Tips to Save Money During NYSC (No Matter Where You Serve)
| Money-Saving Hack | Why It Works |
| Live Close to Your PPA | No need for daily bike or bus fares |
| Cook Instead of Eating Out | Indomie and stew go a long way |
| Share Accommodation With Other Corpers | Cheaper rent and reduced bills |
| Skip Unnecessary Owambe/Outings | That ₦5k for aso-ebi can pay your feeding for a whole week |
| Track Your Spending | Use a budget app or jot it down manually |
| Do Part-Time Work | Tutoring or freelancing boosts income |
FAQ: Saving Money During NYSC
Q: Can I actually save ₦200k–₦300k during NYSC?
Yes, it’s possible — if you're in a cheap city, get free accommodation, and reduce spending. Some even save more if they get PPA stipends or do side hustles.
Q: Should I live in the city center or outskirts?
Outskirts are cheaper, but if your PPA is far, transport will eat your money. Try to stay close.
Q: How much should I budget monthly during NYSC?
A corper in a cheap city can survive on ₦25k–₦35k monthly and still save. In Lagos or Abuja, expect ₦50k–₦60k/month (if you're prudent).
Final Words
NYSC is just one year, but the financial decisions you make during that year can affect your post-service life. If you're smart, you’ll leave NYSC with more than just a certificate and khaki — you’ll leave with savings, hustle experience, and a mindset for success.
So whether you’re headed to Ibadan, Ilorin, or Makurdi, plan well, live simply, and save like you mean it. Because one thing NYSC teaches best? How to survive and thrive in Nigeria.
