Lagos State, Nigeria, is considered one of the corpers’ favourite places to serve generally because it is considered one of the biggest cities in Nigeria with a high level of development and industrialisation.
As Nigeria’s commercial capital, it offers a wide range of opportunities for career growth, networking, and skill development.
The city is home to numerous companies, tech hubs, financial institutions, media houses, and government parastatals which can provide better placement opportunities and stipends for corps members.
The NYSC Scheme is a compulsory one-year programme for Nigerian graduates beyond the age of 30.
Prospective corps members are usually assigned to various states across the country at random to complete their one-year national service.
During this period, they receive a monthly stipend commonly referred to as an allowance from the federal government to support them throughout their service year.
The federal government pays a fixed monthly allowance of ₦77,000 as of 2025. Aside from this allowance, many states pay corps members allowances, and it varies from state to state.
In this article below we will highlight the allowance paid to corps members serving in Lagos State by the state government.
Federal Government Allowance vs State Allowance
The Federal Government of Nigeria currently pays each corps member a monthly allowance of ₦77,000.
This payment is consistent and is expected to cater to basic needs such as feeding, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses during the service year. The federal allowance is funded by the national budget and is paid directly into the corpers’ bank accounts every month.
However, considering Nigeria’s economic challenges and inflation, many corps members find this sum insufficient—especially those posted to cities with a high cost of living like Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt.
This is the reason so many states pay corps members a monthly stipend, adding to that of the federal government, like Lagos State.
Why States Add Stipends
To support corps members and reduce financial strain, some state governments provide additional stipends, often referred to as state allowances. The reasons behind this include:
Cost of Living: In expensive cities, the federal allowance may not be enough for transportation, feeding, and rent. State stipends help close that gap.
Motivation and Morale Boost: Offering extra pay encourages corps members to take their primary assignments seriously and perform better.
Attracting Skilled Graduates: States use allowances to draw talented youth, especially for sectors like health, education, and IT.
Note: Not all states pay corps members monthly stipends; some pay very little.
How much does Lagos State pay corpers?
As of May 2025, the Lagos State Government Pays corps members posted within the state an additional monthly allowance. This amount varies based on the Place of Primary Assignment (PPA):
State Ministries and Agencies: Corps members serving in state ministries and agencies receive an additional ₦25,000 monthly.
Sometimes this can increase or decrease depending on the particular PPA.
Local Government Areas (LGAs): Those posted to LGAs are paid ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 monthly.
Some corps members posted to government public schools are usually paid more than this at times.
The state allowance is typically disbursed monthly, though the exact payment date can vary.
Payments are made directly into the corps members’ bank accounts provided during registration.
However, some corps members have complained about delays in receiving these stipends, saying the payment is not consistent.
Note: It’s important to note that these allowances are subject to change based on state budget allocations and policy decisions.
How to Secure a Good PPA in Lagos
Getting a good Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) in Lagos is highly competitive due to the large number of corps members posted to the state every year.
Here are some tips to help you secure a favourable PPA:
- Network During Camp
Use the orientation camp wisely. Network with officials, fellow corpers, and PPA representatives who visit the camp looking for corp members. Always remember first impressions matter a lot.
- Be Proactive
If you’re not satisfied with your initial posting, you can request a repost. Visit PPAs that interest you and ask if they are accepting corps. If they agree to take you, collect a request letter from them.
- Prepare a Strong CV
Have a professional and well-structured CV. It shows seriousness and may give you an edge, especially in private organisations or high-level government offices.
- Connections
If you have family or friends in Lagos, ask if they can connect you to organisations that accept corps members. Referrals go a long way.
Is the allowance paid by Lagos State enough?
In most cases, the combined federal and Lagos State allowance is not enough to comfortably cover all living expenses in Lagos, especially for corps members without family support or free accommodation.
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated allowance received by corps members serving in Lagos.
Federal allowance: ₦77,000 (as of 2025)
Lagos State allowance: ₦5,000–₦25,000 (depending on your PPA)
Total: ₦82,000–₦102,000 monthly
Challenges Corper’s Face in Lagos State
While Lagos offers opportunities, exposure, and relatively better allowances compared to many states, it also presents several challenges that corps members must navigate during their service year:
These challenges include:
- Payment Delays
Even though the federal and Lagos state governments pay allowances monthly, delays are common, especially with the state stipend.
Many corpers have complained a lot concerning the delay in receiving their monthly payments; sometimes they don’t receive the full payment, especially with the state stipend.
- Housing Difficulties
Accommodation is one of the biggest challenges faced by corps members in Lagos.
Many PPAs do not provide housing, especially private companies and some public offices, and NYSC lodges are limited and often not well-maintained.
Rent in Lagos State is very expensive. A self-contained apartment in Lagos State costs about ₦200,000 – ₦500,000 yearly, depending on the part of Lagos State.
- Security
Lagos is a bustling city, so corpers must be on alert all the time to avoid any security threat . Corps members who close late may face risks moving around at night, especially in less secure areas.
Petty crimes like phone snatching and pickpocketing are common in crowded areas and bus stops in Lagos State.
4. Traffic Congestion
Traffic congestion is a major problem in Lagos State. A short distance can take hours to cover. Which can lead to coppers coming late at their Place of Primary Assignment (PPA).
Despite these challenges, many corps members still find Lagos State as one of the best states to serve in Nigeria.
Conclusion
Serving as a corps member in Lagos State comes with a lot of benefits and opportunities, as Lagos State offers better exposure, higher chances of employment, and security compared to most states in Nigeria.
However, Lagos is also very expensive, stressful, and highly competitive.
Challenges like housing issues, traffic, payment delays, and general cost of living require careful planning, adaptability, and financial discipline.