National Youth Development Commission Bill #NYDC

Hon.Samaila Suleiman

As promised, today we will consider the proposed National Youth Development Commission Bill, sponsored by Hon. Samaila Suleiman representing Kaduna north federal constituency. The bill passed the first reading on November 18, 2015 and is slated for a second reading on the December 17, 2015.

At EOTM, we are all about engaging the legislature, by involving the public in the legislative process and advocating the need for our legislators to consult more with the public throughout the bill process and other legislative business. Enough of being in the dark, our source of democracy has been shrouded in secrecy for too long. Hon. Samaila Suleiman; an astute young legislator, who also belong to the youth constituency has taken a bold and important step forward, in embracing and repackaging #OpenNASS. He opened his door to the EOTM crew to discuss the principles of the proposed bill; more so, he seems to have a genuine interest in pursuing the youth cause.

What is the essence of a National Youth Development Commission and do we really need an establishment such as a National Youth Development Commission?

The National Youth Policy 2009 defined a youth as follows; "a youth shall comprise of all young females and males aged 18 – 35 years". The youth makes up roughly 60% of our entire population. Therefore, I believe there is an urgent need for the government of the day to make the Nigerian youth a priority. Majority of our youth population are unemployed, lack necessary skills to become self-employed and so much, lack access to quality education. These major challenges have necessitated a National Youth Development Commission. At this juncture I know you are asking yourselves;

"What is the role of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Sports?"

In 2014 the Ministry of Youth Development had an annual budget of NGN 80.9 Billion, i.e 80% of the annual budget regularly goes into the National Youth Service Commission programme each year. Kindly bear in mind that, the NYSC population is just a fraction of the Nigerian Youth population, more so, on passing out, all NYSC members no longer have any interaction whatsoever with the Youth Ministry. Therefore, I believe it will be safe to say; that the National Youth Development Commission (NYDC) can neither take over nor duplicate the role of the Youth Ministry, it will rather complement their efforts, and help to reach a wider range of youths. It has been observed that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has a wider reach and greater impact than the Niger Delta Ministry. This is exactly what the proposed NYDC seeks to achieve. You can also think about the impacts of other commissions/agencies around you.

From where do we source the money to set up a new Commission?

That was my first question, in view of the nation's dwindling economy, falling oil prices and the enormous yet to be recovered, looted commonwealth! How then, do we fund the Commission? Hon. Suleiman has simply reiterated the call by the duo of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Sen. Murray Bruce; that this is the very time to spend more as a nation, to meaningfully invest in viable and sustainable projects. In his words “what better venture can the government invest in than the Youth? I stepped back looked into his eyes and said “I guess you just want to make #CommonSense” laughs!

As a youth myself, I identify with this bill, and I call on every Nigerian in position to support this bill, jump-start an open town hall discussion as well as online discussion around the bill. Let everyone forcefully talk to this bill, digest it and thoroughly understand it. The youth class is not a permanent but a highly transient and dynamic class. Today, if you are not yet a youth, then you will soon be, but not forever, because no sooner you clock 35 years, you no more belong there. However, if you are no longer a youth by definition, it is a matter of time, your offspring will soon grow up and graduate into the youth constituency. It’s a global, inclusive, border-less constituency, without any geopolitical, sociocultural or economic limitations. The youth hold the key to the sustainability or otherwise, the wealth or poverty, the strength or weakness of any nation.

On this blog we will continually give updates on this bill as we partner with Hon. Samaila Suleiman to ensure a smooth second hearing of our beloved National Youth Development Commission bill.

Open NYDC bill for a copy of the bill.

You can also ask your tailored questions about the bill by tweeting at  the following @samailasuleiman @eyesonmandate

Citations: National Youth Policy

EOTM Team with Hon.Suleiman