Benue Lawmaker Critiques NYSC Reforms Impacting Defense

Philip Agbes, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State, has expressed concerns regarding recent reforms approved by the federal government for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). He warned that these changes could undermine Nigeria's national defense policy and erode the scheme's core objectives.

Agbes called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend the implementation of these reforms and instead form a broader committee to review the NYSC. He emphasized the importance of the NYSC as a national institution that fosters unity and should not be restructured in a way that compromises its foundational ideals.

The proposed reforms include splitting orientation camps into three phases and introducing specialized career streams for corps members. While some stakeholders welcome modernization efforts, Agbes cautioned that reducing the focus on national integration and security could be detrimental.

He urged for a review involving security experts, lawmakers, former NYSC officials, and youth groups.