The Senate has ordered an investigation into the death of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Etimbuk Daniel, at the Enugu State orientation camp, as well as the condition of medical facilities and emergency response services in NYSC camps nationwide.
The probe is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death and determine whether any lapses occurred in the provision of medical care at the camp.
The investigation will be conducted by the Senate Committees on Police Affairs, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, Youth Development, and Health, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who called for an immediate review of medical services in NYSC orientation camps across the country.
Bassey expressed concern over what he described as the sudden and untimely death of Daniel, whom he called a vibrant and patriotic young Nigerian who had embarked on national service with hopes of contributing to the country’s development.
He warned that the incident raised wider concerns about the adequacy of healthcare services available to corps members undertaking the mandatory national service programme.
“The incident is not isolated, but highlights a recurring pattern of systemic negligence, poor medical infrastructure, and absence of qualified emergency personnel and rapid referral protocols across NYSC camps, underlining that the government owes a duty of care to young graduates mobilised away from their homes to serve the nation,” the senator said.
Bassey told his colleagues that Daniel had begun his national service with a commitment to contributing to Nigeria’s development before his untimely death.
He said the circumstances surrounding the incident required urgent legislative scrutiny, particularly in view of allegations of medical negligence, inadequate healthcare infrastructure and the absence of effective emergency response and referral systems at orientation camps.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the senator said the security and welfare of the people remained the primary purpose of government.
He argued that the government and relevant authorities had a duty to protect corps members and ensure they received timely and adequate medical care throughout their national service.
Bassey lamented that Daniel’s death had plunged his family, associates, the student community and the people of Akwa Ibom State into mourning.
He insisted that a thorough investigation was necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any failures that might have contributed to the tragedy.
The proposed probe is also expected to examine medical facilities and emergency response arrangements across NYSC orientation camps nationwide, with a view to identifying gaps and recommending measures to improve the safety and welfare of corps members.
