For this week’s Money Moves, we spoke with Emmanuel Ojiji, a current NYSC corps member navigating the realities of serving his fatherland while managing money in a high–cost environment. Emmanuel breaks down what the NYSC experience really looks like financially and what it takes to survive on “allawee” in today’s Nigeria.
For someone who doesn’t know NYSC, what is it, and how does it start?
NYSC is a one-year national service program (12 months) for graduates of accredited tertiary institutions. After graduation and registration, you’re mobilized for service. The first phase is a 3-week (21 days) orientation camp, and after the camp, you’re posted to a Primary Place of Assignment (PPA) where you work for the rest of the service year. At the end, you receive a certificate of completion if you meet the requirements.
Do you pay money to participate in NYSC?
You don’t pay to “participate” in the program itself, but you pay a registration fee to the NYSC commission. It’s about ₦6,000 (plus transaction charges).
Paying to serve the fatherland?
LOL. It’s not payment per se.
When do you get paid to serve the fatherland, then?
Yes. The first is during the orientation camp, usually towards the final week. There are two key payments:
- Transport allowance is also known as “bicycle allowance.” Officially listed as about ₦10,000, but what you get can vary by state. It can be ₦6,000–₦8,000 (sometimes around ₦8,000). My friends in other states even reported receiving ₦3,500. The idea is to support transport costs connected to camp movement.
- NYSC allowance (first “allawee”). You receive your first monthly allowance while still in camp, currently set at ₦77,000.
The second?
This comes after camp. The consistent payment is the monthly NYSC allowance of ₦77,000.
You mentioned PPA, does your PPA pay you, too?
In theory, some PPAs provide stipends or salaries to corps members. In reality, it depends on the organization. My own PPA is a federal establishment, and their payment is inconsistent/flexible; they may pay some months and skip others depending on funding.
What does the NYSC allowance allow you if you’re serving in Lagos?
₦77,000 is not enough in Lagos because the cost of living is high, especially transport. You’re not only moving to your PPA, but you also spend money attending NYSC-related activities like CDS meetings and clearances.
Wow! So, transport takes most of your allowance?
Transportation is the biggest expense. I spend roughly ₦2,000–₦2,500 daily on transport (Monday–Friday), and transport can take up to about 65% of my allowance because I move from the Mainland to the Island.
Aside from transport, what else eats into your allowance?
Feeding takes a large portion, too. After splitting money for transport and food, what’s left has to cover everything else: basic upkeep, replacing items, grooming, and savings. Even after budgeting, the money often doesn’t stretch to the end of the month, so you end up cutting back.
Ok…what would be an ideal NYSC allowance for you?
For me in Lagos, an ideal monthly range is ₦180,000–₦200,000. For someone in Ebonyi or Sokoto, where I think the cost of living is cheaper, this might not apply to them.
What would the increment of the allowance change for you?
It would reduce financial pressure and improve stability. After paying for transport and feeding, I’d still be able to save properly. Handle other real-life bills beyond food/transport, and have breathing room for emergencies and basic quality of life
I understand what you’re saying
Thank God you do!
What should the government improve for corps members (besides allowance)?
Thank you for this question. Two big things. Transport support: practical support like dedicated buses or transport arrangements that reduce how much corps members spend moving between PPA, CDS, and other NYSC obligations.
The health insurance is in limbo. The health coverage for corps members is ineffective and not working, so members still pay out of pocket. Making NHIS truly work would remove a major financial burden.
Are there any gains from the NYSC program?
The biggest value is connections and exposure: meeting colleagues and senior professionals, and learning how industries operate (like port/marine-related systems). Also, completing NYSC unlocks eligibility for opportunities that require it, thereby expanding career options.
That’s a lot
I didn’t even add the paramilitary training you get in the camp.
LOL
What’s your next move after NYSC ends?
I want a reset and a change of environment, refocus fully on career goals, and explore further education options.
I wish you the best!
I’ve lived many lives, but one lesson ties them all together: money is only as powerful as its utility. Through my work, I share stories about money and create guides for Africans who want to get the best out of theirs.