Bill Sponsor: Sen. Ibrahim, Lamido (Sokoto East).
Bill Progress: First Reading
The National Youth Service Corps Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 902), is poised to introduce significant changes to the legal framework governing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in Nigeria. It is expected to address crucial aspects of the NYSC, particularly regarding the NYSC Trust Fund.
Recent legislative discussions within the Senate have focused on amendments related to the NYSC Trust Fund, which is central to providing financial support for corp members and the overall operations of the NYSC. One of the key issues that previous bills have faced is the constitutional validity of funding provisions, specifically the establishment of a separate Trust Fund.
The previous NYSC Trust Fund Establishment Bill proposed creating a fund that would operate independently from the Federation Account. However, this approach was deemed unconstitutional under Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which stipulates that all revenues must be deposited into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation. Following a motion for re-committal, the Senate amended the conflicting clause, ensuring compliance with constitutional requirements before sending it for Presidential assent. This amendment primarily sought to revise the financial provisions supporting the NYSC and its members.
In addition to the focus on the Trust Fund, SB. 902 may also address broader topics that have been common in previous NYSC Act amendments. One potential area of focus is the review of fines and penalties related to offenses under the NYSC Act. By increasing these financial penalties, the bill intends to reflect current economic conditions and enhance compliance among corp members.
Another likely focus of the amendment is to address issues of religious freedom and uniform regulations within the NYSC. Past discussions have emphasized the importance of ensuring that the rules set forth by the NYSC Directorate do not infringe upon the religious beliefs and practices of corp members. This includes the possibility of allowing alternative uniforms and exercise routines to accommodate diverse religious dictates.
As SB. 902 makes its way through the legislative process, it is expected to play a pivotal role in modernizing the NYSC framework, providing necessary financial support, and enhancing the overall experience for corp members.
