House Of Representatives Proposes NYSC Trust Fund to Enhance Corps Member Training And Empowerment

The Nigerian House of Representatives is set to deliberate on a new bill aimed at creating a sustainable funding source for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to support the training and empowerment of corps members. The proposed legislation, titled the “NYSC Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill 2024,” was introduced by a representative of the Nasarawa/Toro Federal Constituency in Nasarawa State and recently read on the floor of the House.

The bill outlines a legal framework for managing a special intervention fund dedicated to enhancing the NYSC’s programs, particularly around skills acquisition and employment generation for corps members. Section 2(1) of the bill specifies that the fund will be directed toward NYSC operations, facilities, orientation camps, and the overall efficiency of the corps’ service delivery.

If established, the NYSC Trust Fund would draw 0.2% of revenue from Nigeria’s Consolidated Revenue Fund, along with potential grants, donations, and contributions from international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. This fund could also include financial returns from any investments made by the Trust Fund itself, providing a stable financial foundation to support the NYSC’s mission.

The bill outlines several key purposes for the Trust Fund, including:

•Funding skills acquisition and empowerment programs for corps members.

•Supporting the training and retraining of NYSC personnel.

•Procuring materials, vehicles, and equipment necessary for NYSC activities.

•Expanding NYSC-owned ventures to produce goods and services needed at orientation camps and for other operational needs.

To oversee the Trust Fund’s operation, the bill proposes a Board of Trustees composed of members from various sectors, including the NYSC National Governing Board, representatives from the Ministries of Youth Development and Finance, the private sector, and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. Additionally, the President of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria and a retired NYSC director (serving as the board’s secretary) would contribute expertise and oversight.

The Board would be responsible for administering the Trust Fund, disbursing funds for NYSC projects, setting policies for corps member training, and approving financial support for NYSC ventures and facilities. Empowered to manage contracts for projects funded by the Trust, the board would ensure adherence to due process in all expenditures and engagements.

The NYSC Trust Fund aims to address the funding limitations that have historically constrained NYSC’s capacity to provide valuable skills training for corps members. By establishing a secure financial mechanism, the House hopes this fund will support the NYSC in fulfilling its mandate to foster youth development, reduce unemployment, and contribute to national development.