…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
The Nigerian Peace Corps (Establishment) Bill has been transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent after passage by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Magaji Tambuwal, reportedly transmitted the bill for Presidential assent on 12th April 2023 via a letter written on his letterhead and directly addressed to President Buhari.
Three authenticated copies of the bill were sent to the President, with one expected to be retained by him and the other two to be returned to the National Assembly for further action.
The President is expected to assent to the bill on or before 11th May 2023, in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
The Nigerian Peace Corps has been operating on a volunteer basis for years.
Once the bill is assented to by the President, the corps will become a Federal Government-owned and funded agency under the new name of the Nigeria Peace Corps.
Commentary
The bill’s passage and transmission to President Buhari for assent is a significant step in the establishment of the Nigerian Peace Corps as a federal agency.
The agency’s establishment is expected to create employment opportunities for Nigerian youths, who are often unemployed due to the country’s high unemployment rate.
The establishment of the Peace Corps is also expected to provide security support and help promote peace and unity across the country.
The President’s assent to the bill is therefore eagerly anticipated, and stakeholders will be watching closely to see if this becomes a reality.