The House of Representatives has once again passed the Bill for an Act to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps, marking the second time since the inauguration of the 10th Assembly.
The initial passage occurred on Thursday, October 12, 2023, but the House later rescinded the decision two months later to address emerging issues within the bill.
Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, explained that new facts had come to light, contributing to the decision to strengthen the functions and operational structure of the Corps.
Waive, in moving the motion for rescission, stressed the importance of revisiting the bill. He stated, “It is essential for the House to rescind its decision on the Bill and recommit it to the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration and passage.”
Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and House Leader Julius Ihonvbare, the bill had faced challenges in the 9th Assembly, failing to secure Presidential assent after initial passage.
The proposed legislation aims to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps as a body responsible for developing, empowering, and providing gainful employment to youths, fostering peace, volunteerism, community services, neighborhood watch, and nation-building.
The bill will now proceed to the Senate for concurrence before reaching the President for assent. This legislative development is a positive step towards the establishment of the Nigerian Peace Corps, reflecting the commitment of lawmakers to address emerging issues and strengthen the Corps’s functions.
The Peace Corps of Nigeria, under the leadership of National Commandant Dickson Akoh, was established over 25 years ago.
It operates as a Non-Governmental Organization, receiving federal government recognition through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and a license from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning to operate in the country.
