A bill seeking to amend the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC Act and make provision for the issuance of the exemption certificate to foreign Nigerian students while reviewing the remuneration upwards was stepped down at the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Titled “Bill for an Act to Amend the National Youth Service Corps Act, Cap. N84 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Review Upward the Accommodation and Transport Allowances of Corps Members in line with Current realities; and for Related Matters (HBs.716, 1305, 1657, 1922, 1945 &1674)”it was however a consolidated bill jointly sponsored by Hon. Ben Igbakpa, Hon. Eta Mbora, Hon. Abbas Adigun, and three other lawmakers.
In his lead debate, Igbakpa who was the only one present at the plenary to speak on the bill said that with the changing times, the principal act should be amended to make it optional for Nigerians who schooled abroad.
He also said that the monetary allowance of the serving corps members should be elevated to reflect that of graduates. He argued that Nigerians schooling abroad should be given exemption certificates.
The bill however elicited several reactions from lawmakers with many opposing the exemption while favouring the upward review of the allowance.
In his contribution, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Idris Wase called for strict adherence to the provisions of the principal act. He said that those who schooled abroad should comply with the by-laws we have set in the country. In several countries they have programs like this. In USA, you have to serve compulsorily in the army for a year. The purpose is integration and discipline.
Also speaking, Hon. Ahmed Jaha agreed on the call to review the renumeration aspect of the Bill however disagreed with the exemption.
Ruling on the Bill, the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila advised the Rules and Business Committee to take a holistic look at the bill and expunged the offensive parts to enable the sponsors to represent it before the House adjourned this Thursday for a two-week break to participate in the national elections.
