In Nigeria, many corps members, commonly referred to as “corpers,” are often curious about the monthly stipends they receive while serving in various ministries as part of their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. This article aims to address the question, “How Much Does Ministry Pay Corpers?” by offering insights into the compensation provided to these young graduates during their service year.
Before delving into the specifics of monthly payments, it’s important to provide a list of some ministries in Nigeria where corps members are typically posted for their Place of Primary Assignment (PPA). These ministries serve as work placements for corps members, where they contribute their skills and services to support various government functions.
However, before we proceed, let’s discuss the functions and roles of these ministries.
Ministries in Nigeria (List)
Here are some of the functions of the listed Federal Ministries in Nigeria:
- Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources: Responsible for agricultural development, natural resource management, and food security.
- Federal Ministry of Aviation: Oversees the aviation sector, including airports, air safety, and aviation regulations.
- Federal Ministry of Commerce & Tourism: Promotes trade, commerce, and tourism development in the country.
- Federal Ministry of Communications: Manages communication infrastructure and technology development.
- Federal Ministry of Defence: Responsible for national defense and military affairs.
- Federal Ministry of Education & Youth Development: Focuses on education policies and youth development programs.
- Federal Ministry of Environment: Deals with environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable development.
- Federal Ministry of Federal Capital Territory (M.F.C.T.): Administers the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
- Federal Ministry of Finance & Economic Development: Handles financial and economic matters, including the budget and fiscal policies.
- Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Manages Nigeria’s foreign relations and diplomatic missions.
- Federal Ministry of Health and Social Services: Oversees healthcare and social services delivery.
- Federal Ministry of Industries: Promotes industrialization and industrial development.
- Federal Ministry of Information & Culture: Manages information dissemination and cultural affairs.
- Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs: Handles internal security, immigration, and civil defense.
- Federal Ministry of Justice: Provides legal services to the government and ensures justice administration.
- Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity: Focuses on labor and productivity issues, including labor laws and standards.
- Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources: Manages Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.
- Federal Ministry of Power & Steel: Deals with power generation, distribution, and steel development.
- Federal Ministry of Science and Technology: Promotes science and technology development.
- Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development: Manages the country’s mineral resources.
- Federal Ministry of Special Duties: Responsible for special projects and initiatives.
- Federal Ministry of Transport: Oversees transportation infrastructure and services.
- Federal Ministry of Water Resources & Rural Development: Manages water resources and rural development programs.
- Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development: Focuses on women’s issues and social development programs.
- Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (F.M.W.&H.): Oversees public works and housing development.
- Federal Ministry of Youth & Sports: Promotes youth development and sports activities.
These ministries play crucial roles in the governance and development of Nigeria, each with its own specific areas of responsibility.
How Much Does Ministry Pay Corpers?
Corps members serving in Nigerian ministries get paid differently based on where they are posted. In some states, they might receive between N3,000 and N30,000 per month, with extra bonuses during holidays such as Easter, Sallah, and Christmas. If you’re in Abuja, the payment for corps members serving in Ministries can be between N5,000 and N15,000, in addition to the standard N33,000 allowance from the federal government that all corps members get. So, it varies depending on where you serve, and you might get some extra money during special occasions as well.
The Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues is reported to pay corps members (corpers) a monthly stipend of N5,000. However, there are other ministries known to provide more generous compensation to corps members. The Ministry of Agriculture, for instance, offers varying payment rates depending on the state, with amounts ranging from N10,000 to N75,000 per month. In Abuja, corps members in the Ministry of Agriculture receive N10,000, while in Oyo, they receive N15,000, according to sources.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health is recognized for offering competitive payments to corps members. Some corps members in this ministry can receive up to N50,000 per month, depending on the state in which they are serving. These variations in payment reflect the diverse financial incentives provided to corpers across different ministries in Nigeria, with some ministries being more generous in their compensation packages than others.
Important Information About Serving In Ministries
It’s very important to note that not all ministries in Nigeria provide payments or accommodation for corps members (corpers). Some may offer payments, but only for a limited duration, while others don’t provide any allowances at all. However, serving in a ministry does have its advantages. Many ministries tend to be less demanding on corps members, often requiring them to be present only three times a week. This flexibility allows corps members to engage in other business or personal pursuits during their service year.
Another advantage of serving in ministries is the potential for future employment. The chances of being retained as an employee after completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program in a ministry are relatively good, with a 50-50 likelihood. This presents an opportunity for corps members to secure a stable job and career path following their service, making it an appealing option for those looking to establish their professional future.