Are you searching for the best states to serve your NYSC and secure a job or make cool money during your service year?
Have you been asking questions like:
Which state is best for NYSC for job opportunities?
Where can I serve and get paid well during NYSC?
What is the best place to serve NYSC and start a good career?
If YES, the article you are currently reading will give you all the answers you need.
Do you know that where you serve your NYSC can directly affect your chances of getting a good job or making decent money during or after your service year? Well, now you do.
Your search ends here as we are going to show you the best cities and states in Nigeria to serve your NYSC if you are serious about making money or starting your career early.
Why Your NYSC State Posting Matters
Many corps members don’t realize how important their state of deployment is. The right NYSC posting can open doors to job offers, internships, networking opportunities, and even business ideas that can change your life.
A lot of ex-corpers who served in top cities like Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt are now working in top firms or running successful businesses all because they were posted to the right places.
Let’s dive into the best Nigerian cities and states to serve NYSC if you want to make the most out of your service year financially and professionally.
🏙️ Top 10 Best Cities/States to Serve NYSC for Job and Money
1. Lagos State
Why it’s great: Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Opportunities: Job openings in tech, banking, media, oil & gas, fashion, and startups.
Side hustle potential: You can tutor, freelance, sell products online, or do delivery jobs.
Downside: High cost of living, traffic, and housing issues.
2. Abuja (FCT)
Why it’s great: Home to government agencies and NGOs.
Opportunities: Federal jobs, administrative roles, diplomatic missions, and international organizations.
Side hustle potential: Photography, digital marketing, Uber/Bolt driving.
Downside: Competitive job space and high living expenses.
3. Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Why it’s great: Oil and gas hub of Nigeria.
Opportunities: Oil firms, servicing companies, engineering roles.
Side hustle potential: Tech jobs, event planning, makeup business.
Downside: Security issues in some areas.
4. Ogun State
Why it’s great: Close to Lagos, but cheaper cost of living.
Opportunities: Manufacturing, agriculture, education, and industrial jobs.
Side hustle potential: Mini-importation, teaching, retail.
Downside: Fewer corporate firms than Lagos.
5. Anambra State
Why it’s great: Booming business environment.
Opportunities: Trading, business mentorship, entrepreneurship.
Side hustle potential: Buying and selling, business development, e-commerce.
Downside: Job opportunities are more business-oriented than corporate.
6. Enugu State
Why it’s great: Calm environment and rising tech scene.
Opportunities: Teaching, local tech startups, business centers.
Side hustle potential: Blogging, fashion design, graphic design.
Downside: Fewer big companies compared to Lagos.
7. Oyo State (Ibadan)
Why it’s great: Large student population and low cost of living.
Opportunities: Education, ICT, fashion, entertainment.
Side hustle potential: Home tutoring, catering, comedy/skit creation.
Downside: Limited corporate jobs.
8. Kaduna State
Why it’s great: Rapid development and presence of industries.
Opportunities: Government projects, teaching, NGOs.
Side hustle potential: Agriculture, fashion, retail businesses.
Downside: Security concerns in some areas.
9. Delta State (Warri, Asaba)
Why it’s great: Oil sector and business activities.
Opportunities: Oil servicing, business support, media.
Side hustle potential: Events, makeup, hairstyling, small-scale business.
Downside: Infrastructure gaps.
10. Akwa Ibom State
Why it’s great: Serene environment and government support for youth.
Opportunities: Public service, ICT, hospitality.
Side hustle potential: Freelancing, online businesses, dropshipping.
Downside: Slower-paced compared to major cities.
Tips to Make Money During NYSC
Even if you’re not posted to Lagos or Abuja, you can still earn well during NYSC. Here’s how:
Start a side hustle: Photography, hairdressing, baking, etc.
Use your skills online: Freelance writing, graphic design, tutoring.
Teach in private schools: Many pay extra outside NYSC allowance.
Apply for internships: Even unpaid ones could lead to permanent jobs.
Network: Attend meetups, youth programs, or business expos.
How to Improve Your Job Chances During NYSC
Volunteer: NGOs and startups may offer full-time jobs after your service.
Intern during weekends or free time: Gain experience that makes your CV stand out.
Build a LinkedIn profile: Connect with professionals and showcase your work.
Attend job fairs and career events: These happen frequently in major cities.
Get professional certifications: Digital marketing, coding, project management, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which city is best for NYSC in Nigeria for job opportunities?
Lagos tops the list because of its abundance of companies and job openings in various sectors.
2. Can I choose where to serve for NYSC?
You can influence your posting by applying to organizations or using NYSC relocation after camp.
3. Where can I serve and make good money?
Cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ogun have better chances of high-paying side hustles or jobs.
4. Is Lagos better than Abuja for NYSC?
Lagos offers more private-sector opportunities, while Abuja has more government and NGO roles.
5. Can I get retained after NYSC?
Yes, many corps members get job offers from their Place of Primary Assignment (PPA).
6. How do I earn extra income during NYSC?
By freelancing, selling goods online, tutoring, or learning in-demand digital skills.
7. Which state is the safest for NYSC?
States like Oyo, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, and Enugu are generally considered safe.
8. Is it possible to serve in a company during NYSC?
Yes, with a letter of request from the company submitted to NYSC, you can be posted there.
9. Can I do business while serving NYSC?
Absolutely! Many corps members run successful businesses during service.
10. What if I’m posted to a rural area?
Make the most of it—focus on self-development, community projects, and online skills.
