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Ikiodiete George
- 4 Min Read
Nysc 2025: Best Cities/States To Serve, Make Money & For Better Job Opportunities
Ah, NYSC — that sacred one-year government hustle where you trade your sweat, khaki, and white-on-white for ₦77k allawee, new friendships, and sometimes, mad job opportunities (if you play your cards well).
But here’s the thing: where you serve matters. A lot. Some cities are straight-up goldmines for young graduates. Others? Let’s just say... e get why people beg to be reposted.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into the best states and cities to serve in NYSC 2025 — especially if your goals include:
- Making money
- Building strong networks
- Getting job offers
- Avoiding stress and wahala
- Access to opportunities (tech, media, finance, etc.)
Let’s break it down like we’re gisting at mamaput after CDS.
What Makes a State “Good” for NYSC?
Before we jump into the list, here are the key things we considered:
|
Factor |
Why It Matters |
|
State allawee |
Extra money on top of federal ₦77k can go a long way |
|
Cost of living |
Low cost = save more from your allawee |
|
Job market |
More companies = higher chances of PPA retention or job offers |
|
Networking opportunities |
Where big industries are, big contacts follow |
|
Security |
Let’s be real, you don’t want to serve where you’ll be dodging bullets |
|
Infrastructure |
Power, water, transport… for your mental health’s sake |
|
Youth-friendly environment |
Vibes, events, growth opportunities |
Top 10 Best States/Cities for NYSC in 2025
|
Rank |
State/City |
Why It’s Hot in 2025 |
|
1 |
Abuja (FCT) |
High-paying PPAs, federal parastatals, NGOs, job opportunities, safe & clean |
|
2 |
Lagos State |
The money hub: tech jobs, media houses, startups, concerts, side hustles |
|
3 |
Ogun State |
Close to Lagos, affordable living, manufacturing firms, state allawee |
|
4 |
Oyo State (Ibadan) |
Chill lifestyle, booming tech space, low cost of living, top schools |
|
5 |
Rivers State (Port Harcourt) |
Oil companies, high state allawee, active job market |
|
6 |
Akwa Ibom State |
Youth-friendly, safe, clean roads, supportive government |
|
7 |
Delta State |
Strong PPA support, oil sector, great allowances in some LGAs |
|
8 |
Ekiti State |
Low cost of living, solid education sector, peaceful |
|
9 |
Kwara State (Ilorin) |
Affordable housing, safe, decent job options in banking & education |
|
10 |
Anambra State (Awka, Onitsha) |
Commercial city, lots of business opportunities, urban PPAs |
States That Pay Extra Allowance (2025 Update)
|
State |
Monthly State Allowance (₦) |
|
Lagos |
15,000 – 25,000 (depends on PPA) |
|
Rivers |
15,000 – 20,000 |
|
Akwa Ibom |
10,000 – 15,000 |
|
Oyo |
5,000 – 15,000 |
|
Ogun |
5,000 – 10,000 |
|
Abuja |
Depends on federal MDA/PPA |
|
Delta |
10,000 (select LGAs) |
|
Enugu |
5,000 – 10,000 |
|
Anambra |
Varies by PPA |
|
Ekiti |
5,000 – 10,000 |
Pro Tip: Want to earn more? Target MDAs, media firms, private schools, NGOs, tech startups, and banks as your PPA.
Best Cities for Career Growth & Job Opportunities
1. Lagos
If you're into tech, finance, media, entertainment, or marketing — Lagos is the heartbeat. Fast-paced, full of connections, and endless job openings (if you can survive the traffic).
2. Abuja
Best for those targeting federal jobs, NGOs, health & policy careers. Smooth roads, good security, and the networking potential?
3. Ibadan (Oyo State)
A rising tech hub with affordable life. Perfect for developers, writers, educators, and those who want to build slowly but surely.
4. Port Harcourt (Rivers State)
Oil & gas career? This is your place. Add high state pay, and it becomes double win.
5. Uyo (Akwa Ibom)
Great for creatives, digital marketers, and writers looking for a peaceful city with fast internet and fewer distractions.
Top NYSC States to Make Money on the Side
|
State |
Popular Side Hustles |
|
Lagos |
Freelancing, tech jobs, ushering, blogging, YouTube |
|
Abuja |
Copywriting, NGO contracts, MC/event jobs |
|
Port Harcourt |
Makeup, sales, O&G internships, tailoring |
|
Ibadan |
Mini importation, tutoring, tech jobs |
|
Onitsha |
Buying & selling, e-commerce, dropshipping |
|
Ilorin |
Home lessons, digital marketing, laundry services |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Which state pays NYSC corpers the highest?
Lagos and Rivers State are currently among the highest, especially if your PPA is generous.
❓ Which NYSC state is best for tech people?
Lagos, Ibadan, and Abuja are your best bets. Plenty tech hubs, internships, and startups.
❓ Can I request for posting to a specific state?
You can try through direct posting (if you know people or apply early), or use redeployment after orientation on marital or health grounds.
❓ What if I get posted to a remote or unsafe area?
You can apply for redeployment after 3 weeks at orientation camp. Health, insecurity, or marriage are valid reasons.
Final Thoughts: Choose Your NYSC State Wisely
NYSC no be do-or-die, but one thing is sure: where you serve can shape your future. So instead of just going where breeze blow you, be intentional.
Pick a state where:
- You’ll grow your skills
- You can survive on your allawee
- Job opportunities are within reach
- Networking is possible
- And you can actually enjoy your service year!
Whether it’s Lagos for hustle, Abuja for comfort, or Ibadan for peace of mind, just make sure you maximize your year.
Because after NYSC, the real world no dey play o
