Graduating from school is one thing, but making a choice of the best states in Nigeria to serve is another thing.
When choosing the states for your service this year in Nigeria, consider these:
- Allowance the state government pays corps members.
- Cost of living in the state.
- Corps members’ testimonies.
- Distance away from home
- Infrastructures.
- Job opportunities in the state.
- Security of the state.
Best States to Serve in Nigeria
Here are the best states to serve in Nigeria.
1. Benue
Benue State is the nation’s acclaimed food basket because of its rich agricultural produce, which includes yams, rice, beans, cassava, potatoes, maize, soya beans, sorghum, millet and cocoyam.
The state also accounts for over 70% of Nigeria’s soya bean production.
Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, engaging over 75% of the state farming population.
The state also boasts of one of the longest stretches of river systems in the country with great potential for a viable fishing industry, dry season farming through irrigation and for an inland water highway.
The vegetation of the southern parts of the state is characterized by forests, which yield trees for timber and provide a suitable habitat for rare animals.
The state comprises several ethnic groups: Tiv, Idoma, Igede, Etulo, Abakpa, Jukun, Hausa, Akweya and Nyifon.
Most of the people are farmers, while the inhabitants of the riverine areas engage in fishing as their primary or important secondary occupation.
The people of the state are famous for their cheerful and hospitable disposition and rich cultural heritage.
2. Rivers
Rivers State has an indigenously diverse population, with major riverine and upland divisions with beautiful cultural heritage.
The dominant ethnic groups are Ogoni, Ijaw and Ikwerre.
Rivers State is the fifth most populous state in Nigeria, with over 3 million residents.
It is also the second largest economy in the country, next only to Lagos State.
Port Harcourt, the State’s capital, is one of the largest cities in the country and contributes significantly to the nation’s financial, manufacturing, transport and telecommunications sectors, among others.
Rivers State generates about a third of Nigeria’s gross domestic product, gross domestic and national income and foreign exchange.
Most of the multinational oil and gas companies in Nigeria and abroad are based either in Rivers State or have offices and branches in the state.
The state also has two petroleum refineries, two seaports, two airports, the Trans Amadi Industrial Estate and the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone.
Rivers State is famous for its vast reserve of crude oil and natural gas.
Over 40% of Nigeria’s output of crude oil and gas resources is produced in the state.
Apart from crude oil, the State is also rich in silica sand, glass and clay and other solid minerals, most of which are untapped.
In Port Harcourt, you could get the cheapest seafood in Nigeria.
The cost of living, housing, and transportation and security in the state depends on the area you’ll be staying.
There’s a wide range of opportunities present in Rivers State.
If you serve in Port Harcourt, you might end up serving in a big oil company.
You should be able to get a good job if you’re smart and lucky.
3. Anambra
Anambra is a state of rich history, great myths, giant strides, creative, hardworking and innovative people.
The state has one of the largest markets in West Africa, so it’s okay to expect food to be cheap.
In Anambra, accommodation and transportation are affordable.
The economic climate is highly favourable with a combination of large markets, abundant skilled labour force, entrepreneurial ability and easy access to capital and natural resources.
The state has a business environment that is conducive and several investment incentives.
The city of Onitsha has strong trade links with many parts of the country and the world. Its market is the largest in West Africa.
Nnewi, the second most economically vibrant center after Onitsha, has virtually become the automobile spare parts market of the nation and a fast-growing industrial center.
Because of the presence of the large market, there are notorious thieves and pickpockets everywhere.
You may get outsmarted or sold fake products if you’re not an indigene, smart or understand the language.
Major towns in Anambra, like Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi, are relatively safe and very pleasant to live in.
As a corps member in Anambra, you’re more likely to get posted to schools for your primary assignment.
Anambra State Government pays corps members ₦9,000, which is higher than all states except Lagos state.
If you’re business-oriented, you can spot opportunities fast during your service year in Anambra.
4. Bayelsa
Bayelsa State occupies the Southern part of Nigeria, making it very strategic in several ways.
It has the longest coastline in the West African sub-region, making the State a major tourists destination.
The state comprises 8 Local Government Areas; they are Ekeremor, Kolokuma Opokuma, Yenagoa, Nembe, Ogbia, Sagbama, Brass and Southern Ijaw.
The beautiful city of Yenagoa serves as the capital city which plays host to most of the government and private institutions.
The four major languages spoken are Izon, Nembe, Ogbia and Epie-Atissa.
Bayelsa State has one of the largest crude oil and natural gas deposits in Nigeria.
Bayelsa is often described as the cradle of Ijaw culture and tradition because of its rich culture and tradition that dates back to so many centuries.
5. Ogun
Ogun State is a state in southwestern Nigeria.
Abeokuta is the capital and largest city in the state.
The Yoruba are the main ethnic group in Ogun State.
Some aspects of the culture of the people in the state include traditional arts such as adire, carving, sculpture and smithery amongst others.
Agriculture as an economic mainstay employs a large population of Ogun state.
Cocoa, kola nuts, rubber, palm oil and palm kernels, tobacco, cotton, and timber are the major cash crops.
Notable sites and experience include Olumo Rock, Omo Forest Reserve, Olowu Palace, Alake Palace, etc.
Ogun State’s proximity to Lagos has seen it grow as an industrial area with centers such as Agbara Industrial Estate.
Olumo rock, in Abeokuta, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nigeria.
6. Kano
Kano is one of the major cities and a major commercial hub in Nigeria and presently, it is relatively peaceful.
Kano is one of the best northern state to serve in Nigeria.
You will enjoy living in if you find yourself there.
Things are very cheap in Kano and the cost of living is quite affordable, which makes it a major attraction to most corps members, as they can save most of their allowance.
Kano has more industries than any other state in Northern Nigeria, which provides job opportunities for both corps members and those who choose to remain after their service year.
7. Akwa Ibom
If you serve in Akwa Ibom, you will fall in love with the place.
The state plays host to some multinational companies and is one of the largest oil-producing states in Nigeria.
Akwa Ibom is very safe with low crime rate and feeding is very cheap.
Transportation cost is cheap, housing cost is reasonable, and the lifestyle is great.
The state holds a promise of exciting and splendid opportunities for leisure, investment and wealth creation.
Occupation of the people including farming, fishing, trading, hunting, woodcarving, raffia works, blacksmithing, pottery, iron works, arts and crafts creation.
The people of Akwa Ibom are highly hospitable and love the corps members a lot.
8. Abuja, FCT
Abuja is a good place to serve, especially if you’re from a middle-class family.
The cost of living, housing and transportation in Abuja is extremely high.
However, Abuja has one of the cheapest food markets in the country since most of the indigenes are active farmers who grow yams and other crops.
So, you are most likely going to buy cheap food in the territory.
Because it is the nation’s capital, Abuja also has good roads, electricity and amazing security, and provides its corps members with several job opportunities in NGOs, ministries, and private firms.
Although Abuja doesn’t pay corps members plus the high cost of living, many still want to serve there because it is very easy to make reasonable connections in Abuja if you play your cards well.
You won’t end your service year before you find a lucrative job, as most of the private companies pay high salaries and allowances to corps members.
You can become friends with someone who only needs to make one phone call to put you in whatever job or position you desire in the country.
9. Lagos
Lagos is the commercial capital of Nigeria and is one of the best states to serve, but the challenge is that it is too competitive.
Getting Lagos directly from the registration portal is like gambling, so don’t get your hopes too high.
Staying in Lagos isn’t cheap – the cost of living is extremely high, accommodation is super expensive, transportation is deadly, and feeding cost is expensive as well.
The only compensation for this high cost of living is that Lagos offers significantly higher job opportunities than most states in Nigeria, and this is one thing that many corps members are attracted to in the city.
It is home and headquarters to most of the finest companies in Nigeria, including telecommunication giants, food companies, research institutes, etc.
Aside from the fact that Lagos city is one of the most developed city in Nigeria, if you can harness the human resources present in Lagos, you can, along with your service year, make extra-bucks from side hustles or businesses.
Although petty crimes like pick-pocketing are rampant in crowded areas in Lagos, corps members posted to Lagos need not worry about kidnappings, bombings, or any major security concern.
Lagos State Government pays corps members in ministries the sum of ₦10,000 monthly, while those in Local Government Offices are paid ₦5,000 monthly.
As a corps member in Lagos, you can earn an average of ₦50,000 per month at your place of primary assignment.
Final Words
Every state in Nigeria is good for service.
We only listed some of the best.
No matter where you are posted to, you can still make the best out of the state during your stay.
Confirm from corps members currently serving in the state, especially the most recent batch because some states without warning, have stopped or will stop paying corps members.
