The Federal Government has officially withdrawn the registration certificate of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), marking a decisive step toward ending nearly two decades of leadership crises within the organization.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Ministry disclosed that it received formal communication from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) dated October 6, 2025, notifying it of the withdrawal of the NYCN’s registration certificate. The certificate was originally issued on October 28, 2020.
According to the CAC, the decision was made pursuant to Sections 8(1)(c) and 8(1)(d) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, following a detailed investigation into the Council’s affairs.
The investigation reportedly uncovered persistent leadership disputes and numerous breaches of both the NYCN Constitution and relevant provisions of CAMA 2020, particularly Sections 833 and 834.
As a consequence, the CAC announced the de-recognition of all existing leadership claims, trustees, and management structures within the NYCN, effectively dissolving the Council’s previous governing bodies.
To ensure continuity, the CAC has constituted an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversee and manage the Council’s activities for a period of one year, commencing October 6, 2025.
The Ministry of Youth Development, in its statement, affirmed the legal authority of the CAC to take such action and pledged full support for the ongoing restructuring process.
“The Ministry urges all stakeholders, youth organizations, and partners of the Council to cooperate fully with the Interim Management Committee in the ongoing restructuring process,” the statement read.
The Ministry emphasized that the reform is intended to restore unity, legitimacy, and institutional integrity to the NYCN, which has suffered from internal divisions for over 18 years.
It further reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to building a stable, credible, and inclusive youth governance framework aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In the statement signed by Omolara Esan, Director of Information and Public Relations, the Ministry described the withdrawal as a necessary step toward rebuilding trust and order within Nigeria’s foremost youth body.
“This exercise is aimed at restoring unity and institutional integrity to the NYCN, in line with its founding ideals,” Esan stated.
Established to represent and coordinate the interests of young Nigerians, the NYCN has for years been dogged by factional disputes and rival claims to leadership that undermined its credibility and effectiveness.
With the establishment of the Interim Management Committee, the Federal Government expressed optimism that the prolonged instability will finally be resolved, paving the way for the Council to fulfill its original mandate of youth mobilization, advocacy, and development.
