In a significant development, the House of Representatives has granted approval for the establishment of the Nigerian Peace Corps by passing a Bill for an Act, which received unanimous support during its third and final reading. The bill aims to provide statutory backing to the existing Peace Corps of Nigeria, led by Dr. Dickson Akoh.

The Nigerian Peace Corps Establishment Bill, initially passed on October 12, 2023, faced a motion for rescission less than two months later. Hon. Francis Waive, who moved the motion, highlighted emerging facts that could enhance the functions and operational structure of the Corps. Consequently, the House deemed it necessary to rescind its earlier decision, recommitting the bill to the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration and passage.

Jointly sponsored by Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu and House Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, among others, the bill seeks to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps. This security outfit is tasked with developing, empowering, and providing gainful employment to youths, fostering peace, volunteerism, community services, neighborhood watch, and nation-building.

Upon the successful passage in the House of Representatives, the Nigerian Peace Corps Establishment Bill will be transmitted to the Senate for concurrence before eventually reaching the President for assent.

Established over 25 years ago by National Commandant Dr. Dickson Akoh, the Peace Corps of Nigeria operates under the Company and Allied Matters (CAMA) Act. It has received Federal Government recognition through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and holds a license to operate as a Non-Governmental Organization from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning.

The organization’s value-driven programs, focusing on the socio-economic empowerment of Nigerian youths and contributions to peace building and advocacy, have earned it Special Consultative Status with the United Nations since 2013 and the African Union since 2016. This status makes it a member of the Social and Economic Councils of both the United Nations and the African Union. With a well-structured network spanning the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, the Peace Corps of Nigeria boasts a membership of over 187,000, comprising regular staff and volunteers.