Again, House Of Reps Passes Nigerian Peace Corps Bill

For the second time since the inauguration of the 10th Assembly, the House of Representatives on Thursday, February 29, passed the Bill for an Act to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps.

The bill was first passed by the 10th House of Representatives on Thursday, October 12, 2023, but was rescinded by the House two months later to address emerging issues in the bill.

In moving the motion for rescission, chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive said new facts emerged that will strengthen the functions and the operational structure of the Corps.

He emphasized the need for the House to rescind its decision on the Bill and recommit it to the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration and passage.

The bill sponsored by Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu and House leader, Julius Ihonvbare is one of the bills that were reintroduced into the House after failing to get Presidential assent following earlier passage by the 9th Assembly.

Among others, the bill seeks to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps as a body charged with the responsibility to develop, empower, and provide gainful employment to youths to facilitate peace, volunteerism, Community Services, Neighborhood Watch, and nation-building.

The bill will now be transmitted to the Senate for concurrence before being sent to the President for assent.

The Peace Corps of Nigeria was established over 25 years ago by the National Commandant, Dickson Akoh, and incorporated under the Company and Allied Matters (CAMA) Act.

It was accorded the Federal Government recognition through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and granted a license to operate in the Country as a Non-Governmental Organization by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.