ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The appointment of Hannatu Musawa as Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy has raised concerns over the qualifications required for such a position. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has questioned if it is appropriate for someone still completing their mandatory one-year youth service program to hold a ministerial role.
While it has not been independently confirmed whether Musawa is currently serving her youth service, an NYSC official was quoted by Cable News confirming her active service. This revelation has ignited a debate among Nigerians regarding the legality of her appointment.
In Nigeria, individuals aspiring to become ministers must undergo various processes, including background checks by the Department for State Security (DSS), as well as approval by the National Assembly. Musawa successfully completed these requirements and obtained clearance for her ministerial position.
READ ALSO: How 10 PDP Govs Approach Tinubu For Appointment – Wike
Prominent Nigerian lawyer and senior advocate Femi Falana argues that, according to Nigerian law, anyone who hasn’t completed their mandatory youth service is ineligible to hold a ministerial position. Falana points to Section 2 of the National Youth Service Act, which states that every citizen who graduates from a higher institution and is under 30 years old must serve the nation. Exceptions are made for those over 30 who obtain an exemption certificate.
The important question in this case is whether Musawa is over 30 years old or not. Failure to comply with the national youth service requirement can result in a prison sentence of 12 months and a fine of N20,000.
READ ALSO: My Administration Will Continue To Prioritize Your Welfare – NYSC DG Assures Corps Members
Falana further contends that the qualifications for a ministerial position are the same as those for a lawmaker. Section 147(6) of the Nigerian Constitution stipulates that a person must be eligible to be elected as a member of the House of Representatives in order to be appointed as a minister. As per this section, individuals who haven’t completed national youth service are not eligible to be members of the House of Representatives.
Falana cites a Supreme Court case, Modibo vs Usman & Ors (2019)LPELR-59096(SC), to support his argument. If Musawa is indeed still serving her youth service, it would indicate that her appointment did not adhere to the law.
Since assuming office, Musawa has faced criticism, particularly after a video circulated showing her mishandling Nigerian currency notes, an act that could potentially lead to imprisonment. However, no official actions have been taken against her in relation to this incident.