NYSC Suspends Biometric Clearance and CDS over planned protest

The National Youth Service Corps has suspended the biometric clearance and the weekly Community Development Services for corps members nationwide.

This was disclosed in a memo sent to State Coordinators, Local Government Inspectors, and Zonal Inspectors across the country.

According to the memo, this was necessary in view of the planned protest billed to take place between August 1-10, 2024.

It read, “In furtherance to our earlier memo reminding corps members of the scheme’s policy prohibiting participation in any form of protest, all corps members are informed that biometric clearance and CDS activities are suspended with immediate effect. The date for the presumption of these activities will be communicated in due course.

“Due to this postponement of all NYSC activities, all corps members are directed not to wear their uniforms for any reason this week.

“During this period, all corps members are assured that they will be attended to in their mufti.”

The statement noted the NYSC’s stance on promoting unity and “will not tolerate any corps member participating in any form of protest that could lead to the breakdown of law and order.”

Earlier, the NYSC had ordered the corps members not to participate in the planned protest.

A message sent to corps members across the country on Monday, read, “I am directed to convey the Director-General’s instructions for immediate and strict compliance as follows: Throughout this week, no corps member should wear uniform. As a result of the above, CDS and clearance are on hold for now, a date for both CDS and clearance will be announced soon.

“Again, No corps member should participate in any protest. You are to monitor and enforce strict compliance, please.”

Some Nigerians had resorted to holding the planned 10-day-long protest to voice their concerns over the current economic hardship in the country.

This ranges from high costs of food items to high transportation costs, among others.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, last Tuesday, appealed to Nigerians to shelve the plan.

Idris said, “On the issue of the planned protest, Mr. President does not see any need for that. He asked them to shelve that plan and he has asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas.

“So, there is no need for a strike. The young people out there should listen to the President and allow the President more time to see to the realisation of all the goodies he has for them.”