The Senate has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the death of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Etimbuk Daniel, at the Enugu State orientation camp, alongside a nationwide assessment of medical facilities and emergency healthcare services in NYSC camps.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who called for an urgent review of healthcare infrastructure and medical services in orientation camps to prevent avoidable deaths among corps members.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Senate said its Committees on Police Affairs, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, Youth Development, and Health would conduct the investigation in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The lawmakers expressed concern over reports that Daniel died from complications arising from a minor headache, allegedly following delays in obtaining adequate medical attention at the camp clinic.
They said the circumstances surrounding his death raised questions about the availability of qualified healthcare personnel, the adequacy of medical facilities and the effectiveness of emergency response mechanisms in NYSC orientation camps.
The Senate also warned that the incident might point to broader systemic challenges, including inadequate medical infrastructure, possible negligence and the absence of effective emergency medical response and referral procedures in some camps.
It stressed that corps members drawn from different parts of the country to participate in the national service scheme deserved adequate healthcare and protection throughout their orientation and service year.
According to the lawmakers, orientation camps must be equipped with functional medical facilities, qualified healthcare professionals, essential medicines and appropriate emergency equipment to address health challenges that may arise during orientation exercises.
They also called for effective referral arrangements with nearby hospitals and other healthcare institutions to ensure that corps members requiring specialised or emergency treatment receive prompt medical attention.
The Senate mandated the relevant committees to establish the facts surrounding Daniel’s death, examine the general state of healthcare facilities in orientation camps across the country, identify any lapses in medical service delivery and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.
The involvement of the police and the DSS is expected to assist in establishing the circumstances surrounding the death within their respective mandates.
The lawmakers reiterated that the government and relevant authorities had a responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of young Nigerians participating in the national service programme.
They maintained that improving healthcare delivery and emergency response systems in NYSC camps was essential to safeguarding corps members and ensuring that their welfare received adequate attention.
Following deliberations on the motion, the Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of Daniel and extended its condolences to his family, friends and associates.
The Upper Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to legislative oversight and the protection of the welfare, safety and fundamental rights of Nigerian youths participating in national service.
