Federal Executive Council approves major reforms for National Youth Service Corps
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Federal Executive Council has approved a comprehensive overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps, marking the first major restructuring of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago. These reforms aim to reposition the NYSC into a skills-focused, productivity-driven institution aligned with the Federal Government鈥檚 economic agenda. A key change involves the leadership structure, with the NYSC now to be headed by a civilian, while the military will continue to provide security for corps members. The Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development have been directed to amend the NYSC Act to provide legal backing for these changes. The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced the approval, stating that the reforms will transform the scheme into a platform that unites Nigeria and equips young people with necessary skills. The reforms include a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment, a redesigned six-week orientation program focusing on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and specialized career streams, and skills-based primary assignments. Other changes involve modern governance with civilian operational leadership, improved camp standards, a new graduation ceremony, and a redesigned NYSC uniform. The reform process began in 2025 through a broad-based review involving relevant ministries and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination. Established in 19
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The Federal Government of Nigeria has called for increased climate financing to enhance the country's water, sanitation, and hygiene WASH systems, emphasizing that greater investment is crucial for protecting communities from climate change impacts. This call was made by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, at the 2026 Annual National Climate Change and WASH Conference in Abuja. The Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to integrating climate-resilient WASH systems into Nigeria鈥檚 climate adaptation agenda, stating that resilient water and sanitation systems are essential for water security, public health, food security, and economic growth. He highlighted Nigeria鈥檚 updated Nationally Determined Contribution NDC 3.0 as an opportunity to make WASH a central pillar of the country鈥檚 climate response. The conference, themed "Water, Sanitation and Hygiene WASH Systems at the Frontline of Climate Change: Aligning NDC 3.0 with National Adaptation Priorities," was organized by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in partnership with WaterAid, UNICEF, and the World Bank-supported SURWASH Programme. Discussions focused on practical strategies for mainstreaming climate-resilient WASH into Nigeria鈥檚 National Adaptation Planning process and the implementation of NDC 3.0. Climate change is increasingly disrupting access to safe water and sanitation in Nigeria through recurrent flooding, droughts, desertification, and changing rai
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