13/12/2025
[IDOMA VOICE EDITORIAL] Why President Tinubu Should Assent the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill Now
Nigeria is passing through one of the most perilous security periods in its history. Killings, kidnappings of schoolchildren, attacks on commuters and violent raids on communities have become disturbingly common.
Many Nigerians have lost their lives, while others have paid exorbitant ransoms to regain their freedom. The security architecture of the country, though vast, is overstretched, leaving communities and vulnerable institutions exposed to criminal elements.
In this context, it is imperative that the federal government deploy all lawful tools to support existing security agencies. One of the most promising is the PEACE CORPS OF NIGERIA (PCN), whose establishment bill has been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and now awaits presidential assent.
The NPC Bill was passed for the second time on December 7, 2022, with the Senate version sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume and the House version, HB17, by Hon. Mohammed Monguno.
This followed its earlier rejection in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who cited security concerns and the potential financial burden of funding the organisation.
Yet, history has shown that preventive, community-based security initiatives are worth the investment, much like forest guards who protect Nigeria’s forests.
If trained and deployed properly, the Peace Corps can serve as a complementary security force that safeguards lives and property while supporting other agencies.
The NPC is not designed to replace Nigeria’s conventional security services. Its core objectives include monitoring, observation, evaluation, and intelligence gathering, particularly in schools and colleges.
By detecting and reporting potential security threats early, the Peace Corps can drastically reduce incidents like school kidnappings and ensure a rapid response by law enforcement.
Beyond schools, the Corps is mandated to engage in peace advocacy, mediation, and conflict resolution, helping to prevent disputes from escalating into violence in communities nationwide.
The organisation, under the leadership of its founder Dickson Akoh, has consistently demonstrated commitment to nation-building, civic education and youth empowerment.
It is crucial for President Bola Tinubu to fully appreciate the objectives and potential of the Nigerian Peace Corps.
These objectives include: Securing Schools and Colleges: Through bottom-up surveillance, monitoring, observation, evaluation, and intelligence gathering, the Peace Corps identifies potential threats in educational institutions and reports them to appropriate security agencies. In a country where school kidnappings have become tragically routine, this proactive, preventive approach can save countless lives.
Peace Advocacy and Mediation: The Corps engages in conflict resolution and reconciliation across communities, preventing tensions from escalating into violence. This grassroots work strengthens social cohesion and complements the efforts of police and other security agencies.
Patriotic and Civic Education: By promoting civic responsibility, nationalism, and ethical values, the Peace Corps empowers young Nigerians to contribute positively to nation-building.
Youth Empowerment and Community Engagement: The organization connects young people with opportunities to transform their lives while contributing to a safer, more peaceful society.
These objectives are not theoretical, they are actionable and, if properly supported, can significantly strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture. Much like forest guards who protect our forests and natural resources, the Peace Corps is trained to protect communities, institutions, and lives.
Its founder, Dickson Akoh, and the Corps’ personnel are committed to lawful, voluntary, and non-partisan service.
Mr. President, the potential of the Peace Corps is immense. With proper recognition, support, and collaboration with other security agencies, the organization can:
Reduce school kidnappings through early detection and preventive intelligence;
- Complement the work of police and military in maintaining peace in communities;
- Foster a generation of patriotic youth committed to service and civic responsibility;
- Serve as a trusted bridge between communities and formal security agencies.
Rather than facing unwarranted scrutiny or allegations, the Peace Corps should be embraced by security agencies as a partner in stabilizing communities, much like other specialized support units.
Cooperation between the Corps and established security agencies will multiply the impact of national efforts to restore peace.
President Bola Tinubu has an opportunity to make a decisive contribution to national security by signing the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill into law.
Doing so will not only provide a legal framework for the Corps’ operations but also empower young Nigerians to serve their country constructively, fostering a culture of vigilance, patriotism, and peace.
As Nigeria faces these trying times, the government cannot afford delays. Supporting the Peace Corps is a proactive step toward protecting schools, communities, and lives, while complementing the work of existing security agencies.
It is time for leadership, foresight and decisive action. Mr. President, assent to the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill now.
- Idoma Voice Newspaper Editorial Board, 12-13-2025
![Why President Tinubu should assent the Peace Corps of Nigeria Bill now [EDITORIAL]The PCN is not designed to replace Nig...](https://img4.medioq.com/990/443/1289190769904439.jpg)
![[IDOMA VOICE EDITORIAL] Why President Tinubu Should Assent the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill Now Nigeria is passing through ...](https://img4.medioq.com/990/469/1289188229904693.jpg)
