Lagos Food Bank Graduate Trainee Program: Salary and Requirements

Lagos Food Bank Graduate Trainee Program pays a transport stipend. It does not publish a fixed salary online. Entry-level NGO pay in Lagos ranges widely. I’ve seen roles list N80,000 to N158,000 monthly.

Direct Answer

Lagos Food Bank runs a Graduate Trainee Program. It’s for fresh graduates who finished NYSC. You must hold a bachelor’s degree. You must be 30 years or younger. You need 1-2 years experience. That can be volunteer work.

The program is full-time. It runs Monday to Friday. Hours are 9am to 6pm. Some outreach days run longer. You get hands-on training. You work in a chosen department. You may do fieldwork in communities.

Salary? The official careers page does not list a figure. It mentions stipend for transport. Past listings on MyJobMag listing show N81,000 – N158,000 for support roles. That’s not the official trainee pay. It’s a market guide. Always check the offer letter.

The Program in Plain Terms

This is not SIWES. It’s not a three-month IT placement. It’s a structured trainee scheme. Lagos Food Bank Initiative started in 2016. It is Nigeria’s first food bank. It fights hunger in Lagos. It also tackles malnutrition.

Trainees learn nonprofit operations. You support real projects. You join programs like EDUFOOD. You join NUMEPLAN and NIDS. You help with food distribution. You help with data and reports. You work with volunteers.

You gain four things. Professional development. Networking in humanitarian sector. Career skills for NGO work. And a chance to serve vulnerable communities.

The duration varies. The internship FAQ says four months minimum. Extensions are possible. Graduate trainee roles often run six to twelve months. Check your offer. The internship FAQ document confirms stipend and certificate details.

You get a certificate at the end. You may get a recommendation letter. That depends on performance and conduct. Outstanding trainees may get full-time roles. That’s not guaranteed.

Who Should Apply

You should apply if you meet these. You finished NYSC. You have your discharge certificate. Or you have exemption. You hold a degree from a recognized university. Think UNILAG, LASU, UI, OAU, UNN, ABU, Covenant, Babcock. Polytechnic HND with NYSC also gets considered sometimes. But degree is stated.

You are 30 or below. You have passion for community work. You can work in Ikeja. The warehouse is at Punch Estate, Mangoro. You can commute to Ikeja daily. You are good with Microsoft Office. Especially Excel. You can research and write clearly.

This suits recent graduates. It suits NYSC members rounding up. It suits those with volunteer experience. If you volunteered with Slum2School, Hearts of Gold, or your church outreach, mention it. It helps.

It does not suit you if you want remote work only. The role is onsite. It does not suit if you cannot do field visits. Some days you will be in Agege, Makoko, or Ikorodu communities.

Requirement	What LFBI Expects	Example That Works in Nigeria
Education	Bachelor’s from recognized university	BSc Food Science from UNILAG, or Nutrition from UI
NYSC	Completed mandatory program	Discharge certificate, or exemption letter
Age	Not more than 30 years	26-year-old graduate from LASU
Experience	1-2 years, can be volunteer/intern	6 months with an NGO in Yaba plus NYSC PPA
Skills	Excel, communication, teamwork	Can do pivot tables, and write field reports
Attitude	Passion for social impact	Consistent volunteering at Lagos Food Bank

When to Apply

There is no fixed deadline year-round. Lagos Food Bank accepts applications on a rolling basis. Forms are collated monthly. That’s from their FAQ. So you can apply now.

Best time? Apply one month before your availability. If you finish NYSC in June, apply in May. If you want to start in January, apply in December.

Also watch for spikes. They recruit more around school feeding periods. They recruit before large outreaches. Follow their Instagram @lagosfoodbank. Check their site weekly. Don’t wait for LinkedIn reposts. Direct site is fastest.

NYSC rule matters here. You must have completed NYSC before resumption. You can apply during your service year. But you must have your certificate at start. The NYSC portal is where you verify your status. Keep your call-up number handy.

Information You Must Include

Your application must be complete. Incomplete forms get ignored. From what I’ve seen on their form, include these:

Full name as on BVN and degree
Phone number and email that works
Location in Lagos and ability to resume in Ikeja
Highest qualification and course of study
NYSC status and year of completion
Years of experience, even if volunteer
Department preference (e.g., Nutrition, Operations, Communications, Fundraising, Volunteer Management)
Statement of interest, short and clear
Microsoft Office level, especially Excel
Volunteering history with Lagos Food Bank, if any

Don’t attach original certificates at first. Send CV only. PDF format is best. Name it like: David_Atulegwu_CV_LFBI_Trainee.pdf. Keep it under 2MB.

For practical guidance, not legal advice: keep your data truthful. Don’t falsify NYSC dates. Employers verify via NYSC. Don’t claim a professional certificate you don’t have.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1: Prepare your CV. One page. Two max. List education, NYSC, experience, skills.

Step 2: Write a short cover letter. 250-300 words. Show passion for food security.

Step 3: Visit the official careers page. Fill the Graduate Trainee form.

Step 4: Choose your department. Match it to your course. Nutrition for Biochemistry, Food Science, Dietetics. Communications for Mass Comm, English. Operations for Logistics, Business Admin.

Step 5: Submit the form online. Then email your CV to hr@lagosfoodbank.org. Use subject: Application for Graduate Trainee – [Your Department] – [Your Name].

Step 6: Wait for email. Shortlisted candidates get interview invite. It comes via email. Check spam.

Step 7: Attend interview. It may be in Ikeja. Or virtual. Dress corporate. Come with printed CV and NYSC certificate copy.

Step 8: If you get a congratulatory email, you can accept or decline. You must do so before resumption.

That’s it. Simple process. No payment required. If anyone asks for money, it’s fraud.

Complete Nigerian Sample: Application Cover Letter

This is a real-world template for a general trainee role. I wrote it like a Lagos graduate would.

—
To: HR Manager, Lagos Food Bank Initiative
Plot 2, Taiwo Ologun Avenue, Punch Estate, Mangoro, Ikeja.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am applying for the Graduate Trainee Program – Operations. I am a 2024 graduate of Business Administration from University of Lagos. I completed NYSC in March 2025. My PPA was at a logistics firm in Ilupeju.

I have volunteered with Lagos Food Bank twice. I joined the December 2024 outreach in Makoko. I also supported EDUFOOD packing in January 2025. I learned food sorting and beneficiary registration.

I am proficient in Excel. I can use pivot tables and VLOOKUP. I am good at reporting. I work well in teams. I can also work alone. I live in Ogba. I can resume full-time in Ikeja.

I want to build a career in nonprofit operations. I care about food security in Lagos. I understand your work with vulnerable women and children. I want to contribute.

My CV is attached. Thank you for your consideration.

Yours faithfully,
Adekunle Tolu
0803 123 4567
adekunletolu.email@gmail.com
—

Keep it short. No long grammar. No US-style cover letter fluff.

Alternative Sample: For Nutrition and Field Roles

Use this if you studied Food Science, Nutrition, Dietetics, or Public Health. It shows field interest.

—
To: HR Team, Lagos Food Bank Initiative
hr@lagosfoodbank.org

Subject: Graduate Trainee – Nutrition Program – Funke Adebayo

Dear Team,

I am Funke Adebayo. I hold BSc Human Nutrition from University of Ibadan. I finished NYSC in November 2024. I served at a PHC in Ibadan.

I have 1 year experience as a volunteer nutritionist. I worked with a community health outreach in Agege. I conducted nutrition education for pregnant women. I also measured MUAC for children.

I know NUMEPLAN and NIDS programs. I read about them on your site. I want to support meal planning and beneficiary assessment. I am proficient in Excel and data entry. I am comfortable with field work.

I am 27 years old. I live in Yaba. I can work 9am to 6pm. I can join weekend outreaches when needed.

Thank you. I attached my CV.

Best regards,
Funke Adebayo
0806 987 6543
—

This version is field-focused. It mentions PHC work. That’s relevant. PHCs refer beneficiaries to Lagos Food Bank. It shows you understand the system.

How to Submit Your Application

You have two steps. Both matter.

First, fill the online form on Lagos Food Bank website. The form asks for academic details. It asks for work experience. It asks for your plan after internship. Answer honestly. Keep answers short.

Second, send CV to hr@lagosfoodbank.org. Don’t send to contactus@ unless FAQ says so. HR email is stated on their trainee page. That’s the right channel.

For file name, use clear naming. Avoid CV_FINAL_FINAL.pdf. Use your name.

For email body, keep it 4-5 lines. Don’t paste full cover letter in email and also attach. Attach as PDF. Email body is just summary.

If you are a registered volunteer, mention your volunteer ID. It helps. They track volunteers. Volunteers get priority sometimes.

No hard copy needed initially. Only bring hard copy to interview. If you live outside Lagos, state how you’ll relocate. Don’t pretend you live in Ikeja if you live in Ibadan.

Submission Channel	What to Send	Common Error in Nigeria
Online form on lagosfoodbank.org	Academic info, experience, statement	Leaving fields blank or using slang
Email to hr@lagosfoodbank.org	CV in PDF, short cover letter	Sending DOCX with viruses or large size
Interview (if shortlisted)	Printed CV, NYSC cert copy, ID	Coming late due to Lagos traffic, no buffer

What Happens After Submission

Your application goes to a selection committee. They review monthly. If you are shortlisted, you get an email. It invites you for interview. No phone call at first. So check email daily.

Interview may be one or two stages. First is HR chat. Second may be with department lead. They ask about passion. They ask about Excel. They ask about field experience. They may ask: Why food bank? Why not a bank job?

If you pass, you get an offer. It states department, start date, hours, stipend. You must accept in writing. Then you resume at Ikeja.

During the program, you work on real tasks. You may pack food boxes. You may track inventory. You may write social media copy. You may call donors. You may go for outreach in Ebute Metta or Agege.

At the end, you request a certificate. It is signed by the President. You may also request a recommendation letter. That needs satisfactory work and good conduct.

Some trainees become full-time staff. That depends on performance and openings. It’s not automatic. Don’t assume.

Internship allowance data from their accounts shows steady growth. That suggests they pay regularly. Their 2023 report showed higher internship spend. That points to more trainees.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants fail due to simple errors. I see these often in Lagos applications.

Applying without NYSC completion. You must have finished. Don’t apply if you are still in camp.
Lying about age. They ask for date of birth. If you are 32, don’t say 28.
Choosing wrong department. Don’t pick Nutrition if you studied Accounting and have no related skill.
Poor Excel claim. Don’t say advanced if you can’t do SUMIF. They test.
Long CV. Three pages for a fresh graduate is too much. Keep it tight.
Using US terms. Don’t write GPA 4.0 if your school uses 5.0. Use your school’s scale. Like 4.12/5.0 from UNILAG.
Forgetting Lagos address. They need to know you can commute to Ikeja.
Not mentioning volunteer status. If you volunteered, say so. It matters.
Sending application to wrong email. Use hr@lagosfoodbank.org. Not info@ or personal staff emails.
Paying anyone. Lagos Food Bank does not charge. If someone asks for N5,000 for form, it’s scam.
Missing subject line. Email without subject gets lost. Always use clear subject.
One-month request. Minimum is four months. Don’t ask for one month internship. It will be rejected.

For employment-law context, this is not a formal employment contract under Nigerian Labour Act initially. It’s a trainee placement. Your rights are in your offer letter. Read it. If unsure, seek professional advice. This guide is practical info, not legal advice.

Role Type in Lagos NGO Sector	Reported Monthly Pay	Note
Graduate Trainee / Intern (NGO)	N50,000 – N150,000 stipend	Often transport + lunch, per MyJobMag listings
Technical Assistant at LFBI	N81,000 – N158,000	Past vacancy listing, not official scale
Entry-level NGO Officer in Lagos	N120,000 – N250,000	Industry average from Glassdoor reviews and job sites
NYSC Corps Member (FG allowance)	N33,000 + PPA top-up	Federal rate, check NYSC official update

The table above is not Lagos Food Bank official scale. It’s market context. I included it so you don’t expect bank-level salary. NGO trainee pay is modest. But experience is valuable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lagos Food Bank Graduate Trainee paid?
Yes. It offers a stipend for transportation. Full salary is not published. It may vary by department. Check your offer letter.

Do I need experience?
1-2 years is stated. Volunteer work counts. NYSC PPA counts. Don’t worry if you don’t have corporate experience.

What is the age limit?
Not more than 30 years. That’s on the careers page.

Can HND holders apply?
The page says bachelor’s degree. Some NGO roles accept HND with NYSC. You can try. But degree is safer.

How long is the program?
Four months minimum for internships. Graduate trainee often six to twelve months. Depends on department need.

Will I be hired after?
Maybe. If you perform well and there’s opening, you may get full-time. It’s not guaranteed. FAQ says satisfactory performance may lead to permanent role.

Can I work part-time?
Trainee is full-time, 9am-6pm. Volunteering has part-time options. For trainee, plan full-time.

Where is the office?
Plot 2, Lagos Food Bank Building, Taiwo Ologun Avenue, off Oluaboderin Street, Punch Estate, Mangoro, Ikeja. That’s from their official address.

Do I need to be a volunteer first?
No. But being a volunteer helps. It shows commitment. Register as volunteer on their site if you can.

Is there an application fee?
No. Never pay. Report anyone asking for money.

What departments can I join?
Operations, Nutrition, Agriculture/Family Farming, Communications, Fundraising, Volunteer Management, Admin/Procurement, Finance. Choose based on your course.

Final Practical Advice From Me

I’ve reviewed many trainee programs in Lagos. Lagos Food Bank is different. It’s mission-driven. Pay is not huge. But learning is real. You get field exposure. You meet donors. You work with real beneficiaries.

If you want this, do three things now. First, update your CV. Make it one page. Highlight Excel and any community work. Second, volunteer once before applying. Even one outreach helps. It shows you know the work. Third, apply early in the month. Forms are collated monthly. Early submission gets seen first.

Don’t copy US cover letters. Use Nigerian context. Mention your LGA, your NYSC state, your ability to enter danfo to Ikeja. That’s real. Recruiters know Lagos life.

For bank details, they will pay to your account. Use a working account. GTB, Access, First Bank, UBA all work. Make sure your BVN name matches your certificate. Avoid issues.

For legal and financial advice, this article is general info. For official rules on NYSC, check NYSC. For official job details, check Lagos Food Bank. Their site is the final authority.

If you are 29 and about to turn 30, apply now. Don’t wait. If you are 31, you may still try volunteer route. Volunteer has no age cap stated.

Lastly, keep your expectations clear. This is a stepping stone. Many trainees use it to get roles at UNICEF, WFP, Action Against Hunger, or corporate CSR teams. The experience counts. The certificate counts.