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Peace Corps Pays Congratulatory Visit To Vice President Elect

The Honourable Minister of Youth Named National Patron of Peace Corps of Nigeria.

Nigerian Peace Corps (Establishment) Bill: A Done Deal

The Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Sen. Basheer Mohammed Lado, CON has assured of his intervention in making sure that the Nigerian Peace Corps (Establishment) Bill is not only passed by the National Assembly but also assented to by Mr President.

Sen. Lado gave this assurance when a 4-man delegation of the Peace Corps of Nigeria led by its National Commandant, Dr Dickson Akoh, paid him a courtesy visit in his office with a view to solicit his intervention in the delay of the passage of the Bill, which is awaiting 3rd Reading at the Senate. Other members of the delegation are the Deputy National Commandant ‘Finance and Accounts’, Dr Omolola Amao, Assistant National Commandant ‘Administration’, Patriot Gloria Amadi and the FCT Commandant, Patriot Obaje Peter Ameh.

The Special Adviser commended the leadership of the Peace Corps of Nigeria for its resilience and resolute commitment towards the institutionalization of the Corps through the Act of the National

Assembly. He added that the functions being sought for the Peace Corps in the Bill is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, especially in the area of genuine youth empowerment, and that part of the functions will go a long way in complementing existing security agencies towards ensuring a peaceful, safer and more harmonious Nigeria.

Earlier, in his address, the National Commandant, Dr Akoh, commended Sen. Lado for being at the vanguard of the prevailing harmonious working relationship between the executive and legislative Arms of Federal Government, while describing him as an astute politician, technocrat and policy maker. Dr Akoh sought the intervention of Sen. Lado in the delay in passing the Peace Corps Bill that has been awaiting 3rd reading in the Senate since March, 2024.

Sunday Nene

Public Relations Officer

Peace Corps of Nigeria

Federal Government Signs Landmark Memorandum of Understanding with the Peace Corps of Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Peace Corps of Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the Corps’ enduring commitment to nation-building, youth empowerment, and community development..

The Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, signed on behalf of the Federal Government, while the National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dr Dickson Akoh, signed on behalf of the organization.

This MoU represents the Federal Government’s formal recognition of the Peace Corps of Nigeria as a vital partner in advancing key national development priorities particularly in peace-building, civic education, volunteerism, and youth engagement. It outlines a collaborative framework aimed at supporting initiatives that foster national unity, social responsibility, and security awareness. Prior to this agreement, the Peace Corps had been subject to rigorous evaluation and clearance by relevant ministries, departments, and security agencies, ensuring full compliance with national standards.

Established in 1998, the Peace Corps of Nigeria is a youth-centered organization that has consistently contributed to national progress through humanitarian service, peace advocacy, youth employment, and volunteer-driven programs.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Akoh described the MoU as a historic breakthrough and a testament to over two decades of dedicated service. He reaffirmed the Corps’ readiness to work collaboratively with government institutions to fulfill its mandate for the benefit of Nigerian youth and communities.

The Peace Corps of Nigeria extends its profound appreciation to the Federal Government, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and all stakeholders involved in realizing this long-awaited partnership. Dr Akoh assured that the organization would operate in strict accordance with the provisions of the MoU and expressed confidence that the collaboration would significantly enhance efforts toward national peace, unity, sustainable development, and youth empowerment.

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Peace Corps of Nigeria Meets SGF, Pledges total support to President Tinubu

The Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) has reaffirmed its unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in his administration’s efforts to combat insecurity and advance national development.

This pledge was made on Friday, August 29, 2025, when the National Commandant of the Corps, Dr. Dickson Akoh, led a high-powered delegation on a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. (Dr.) George Akume, CON.

In his remarks, Dr. Akoh commended President Tinubu for demonstrating genuine commitment to the security and welfare of Nigerians within the first two years of his administration. He stressed that ensuring peace and stability requires collective effort, with all stakeholders contributing to the protection of lives and property.

“We have witnessed the President’s tireless efforts in strengthening security and empowering young people. As SGF, your dedication to quality service has been remarkable, and in solidarity with your office, we are here to reaffirm our total support for this administration,” Dr. Akoh stated.

He further assured the Federal Government that the Corps will strictly operate within the framework of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and will mobilize its vast structure across the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda.

In his response, the SGF lauded the National Commandant and his team for aligning with the vision of the Tinubu administration. He pledged to personally convey their message of solidarity and commitment to the President.

The highlight of the visit was the formal presentation of the MoU by Dr. Akoh to the SGF. The document, signed by the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, on behalf of the Federal Government, and by Dr. Akoh on behalf of the PCN, formally recognizes the Corps’ activities nationwide. This milestone represents the first time in the organization’s 30-year history that such formal recognition has been achieved, as past administrations had failed to conclude the process.

The MoU provides for nationwide implementation of PCN’s programmes, while also establishing collaboration with the Federal Government in delivering humanitarian and development services, with a strong focus on youth empowerment and securing educational institutions against external threats.

Members of the delegation included: Deputy National Commandant (Logistics & Supply), Ugochi B. Ikwue; Assistant National Commandant (Administration), Amadi Gloria; Assistant National Commandant (Research & Planning), Alex U. Owoicho; Assistant National Commandant (Personnel & Records), Helen Ameh; Assistant National Legal Services Officer, Omolola Olasimoju; and Deputy Provost Marshal, Tina Useni.

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Terrence Kuanum*
Special Adviser on Public Affairs
Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation
Friday, August 29, 2025

Senate Adopts Conference Committee Report on Peace Corps Bill

The Senate in plenary today adopted the Report of the Conference Committee which was set up by the Two Chambers to harmonise the Bill for an Act to establish the Nigeria Peace Corps.

The Conference Committee set up earlier in the year by both the Senate and House of Representatives completed it’s assignment on Wednesday last week leading to the Report been laid and Adopted by the House of Representatives on Thursday, 30th March, 2023.

The Harmonized Report of the Conference Committee which was laid and adopted by the Senate today showed that the Conference Committee adopted the version of the Bill as passed by the House of Representatives.

Highlight of the adopted report is on clause 38 (1) of the version passed by the Senate which is in conflict with the version passed by the House of Representatives as contained under clause 38 (1).

Whereas the Senate’s version seeks dissolution of the existing Peace Corps of Nigeria and National Unity and Peace Corps, the House of Representatives version of the Bill solely recommends the dissolution of the existing Peace Corps of Nigeria to be transformed into the Nigerian Peace Corps when assented to President Buhari..

The Conference report clarified that for a Bill to become an Act of Parliament in Nigeria, it must pass through the two Chambers of the National Assembly, a criteria which the National Unity and Peace Corps Bill could not attain because its Bill was never debated unlike that of the Peace Corps of Nigeria debated and passed by the two Chambers.

However, the Bill for an Act to establish the Nigeria Peace Corps expressly provided under clause 38 (8) a window of opportunity for individuals, groups, associations or bodies that show or demonstrate interest to be absorbed as members of the Corps shall be absorbed subject to the mandatory basic training and orientation program of the Corps as may be prescribed from time to time when the Bill is signed into law.

Members of the Senate’s Committee are:
Senator Kashim Shettima, Chairman.
Senator Abba Moro member.
Senator Betty Apiafi Member.
Senator Oriolowo Adelere member
Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe member and
Senator Seriake Dickson member

Members of the House Conference Committee are Hon Babangida Ibrahim (Chairman) Hon Tijani Kayode Ismail, Hon Chinedu Ogah, Hon Ibrahim Umar Potiskum, Hon Abdulmumini Are and Hon Legor Idegbo as members.

It will be recalled that the Nigeria Peace Corps (NPC) Establishment Bill passed in 2022 by the two Chambers was sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee of the Nigerian Army, Senator Ali Ndume while that of the House of Representatives was sponsored by the Chief Whip, Rt Hon Mohammed Monguno as HB17

The Bill, among others, seeks to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps as a body charged with the responsibility to develop, empower and provide gainful employment to youths, facilitate peace, volunteerism,, Community Service, Neighborhood Watch and Nation building.

According to part Vlll of the passed Bill, when assented to by President Buhari, would give statutory backing to the existing Peace Corps of Nigeria.

The adoption of the Report by both the Senate and the House of Representatives has brought to its logical conclusion every legislated process involved in the enactment of a Bill has however cleared the coast for the transmission of this all-important Bill to Mr President for assent.

The Peace Corps of Nigeria established over 24 years ago under the National Commandant, Professor Dickson Ameh Akoh is Incorporated in Nigeria under the Company and Allied Matters (CAMA) Act and accorded the Federal Government recognition through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

Due to the value driven programs of the Corps, aimed at the socio-economic empowerment of the Nigerian youths and its onerous contributions to peace building and advocacy, the United Nations in 2011 accorded the organization a Special Consultative Status while the African Union in 2016 accorded same status to the organization, thus, making it a member of the Social and Economic Councils of both the United Nations and the African Union.

So far, the organization has a well structured network of offices in the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory FCT.

NASS forwards Peace Corps Bill to Buhari for assent

The National Assembly has forwarded the harmonized version of the Nigerian Peace Corps (Establishment) Bill after passage by both the Senate and the House of Representatives to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

It was gathered on Thursday that the transmission of the bill for Presidential assent was done by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Magaji Tambuwal, on Wednesday, via a letter written to that effect.

The letter, according to a highly placed source in the National Assembly, was written on the letterhead of the clerk, dated 12th April 2023 and directly addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Three copies of the authenticated copies of the bills, the source added, were forwarded to the President for assent, one of which is expected to be retained by him and the other two, sent back to the National Assembly for further action.

In line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, President Buhari is expected to assent to the bill on or before 11th May 2023 when the 30-day window, given for such important action, must have been exploited.

The existing Peace Corps of Nigeria has been operating on a template of volunteerism over the years. Once the bill is assented to by the President, the corps becomes a Federal Government-owned and funded agency under the new name of the Nigeria Peace Corps.