Senator Ikpea Joseph Igiagbe (Edo Central) has muted a bold proposal aimed at confronting two stubborn national challenges—worsening insecurity and soaring youth unemployme⁹nt—by transforming the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) into a strategic recruitment pipeline for Nigeria’s military and paramilitary agencies.
Speaking with journalists on Thursday, Igiagbe announced that he is finalising a bill that would give NYSC members priority consideration for enlistment into the armed forces, police, and other security formations once they complete their service year.
According to him, the initiative is designed to cut government recruitment costs, improve training consistency, and create a dependable pool of disciplined, security-ready young Nigerians.
“This will not only strengthen national security but also provide clear employment pathways for our graduates,” he said.
A key feature of the senator’s proposal is regionalised recruitment—posting new officers to their home states or geopolitical zones. Igiagbe argued that officers who serve close to their roots are better motivated, more accountable, and more familiar with local threats.
“A local officer is naturally more invested in the security of his or her community,” he explained.
“This model increases trust, improves response time, and reduces operational friction.”
He noted that the model mirrors the practice in several countries where officers are drawn from and deployed to their local communities.
Igiagbe emphasised that the link between NYSC and security recruitment would offer thousands of young Nigerians a structured career path—addressing unemployment while improving national resilience.
He described it as a dual-purpose intervention: a nation-building strategy that simultaneously equips security agencies with reliable manpower and lifts young people into meaningful employment.
“This approach builds confidence, strengthens civil-security relations, and ensures we have personnel who understand the terrain and can respond swiftly to threats,” he added.
While urging the government to pursue deeper reforms, Igiagbe also stressed that Nigerians must adopt a more active role in safeguarding their neighbourhoods.
“Government cannot do it alone. Nation-building is a joint effort. Every citizen has a responsibility toward securing and uplifting their community,” he said.
Commends Tinubu, Warns Against Politicising Insecurity
Despite acknowledging ongoing security concerns, the senator commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for stabilising parts of the economy.
He noted improvements in the prices of essential commodities compared to last year and argued that sustained security reforms would further support economic recovery.
Igiagbe also cautioned politicians against weaponising insecurity as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
“Some opposition figures are exploiting the current situation for political mileage. But I am confident the measures in place will ease tension and strengthen national unity,” he said.
Reflecting on his political journey—from local government chairman to senator—Igiagbe underscored a personal commitment to financial discipline and responsible leadership.
“When I served as council chairman, we never owed salaries despite limited resources. This same sense of accountability guides my work in the Senate,” he stated.
