CAC Withdraws National Youth Council of Nigeria’s Registration, Sets Up Interim Committee to End 18-Year Leadership Crisis
By Daniji Emmanuel | EchoNews
In a dramatic move aimed at ending nearly two decades of internal wrangling, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has officially withdrawn the registration certificate of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), citing serial violations of its constitution and the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020.
The decision, conveyed through a letter dated October 6, 2025, was confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, which announced the establishment of an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to run the affairs of the Council for one year.
According to the CAC, the withdrawal followed a comprehensive investigation into the Council’s governance and administrative operations.
Findings reportedly revealed persistent irregularities, lack of accountability, and deep-seated leadership crises that have rendered the NYCN dysfunctional for over 18 years.
“Upon a detailed review of the Council’s records and governance practices, the Corporate Affairs Commission found serial violations of both the NYCN Constitution and the provisions of CAMA 2020, particularly Sections 833 and 834,” the CAC’s statement read.
The Commission noted that the action was taken in line with Sections 8(1)(c) and 8(1)(d) of CAMA 2020, which empower it to intervene in corporate entities that fail to uphold statutory governance standards. Consequently, all existing claims to trusteeship, leadership, and management within the NYCN have been nullified, pending the reorganization of the Council under the newly appointed IMC.
Reacting to the development, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development described the move as a “necessary corrective measure” to restore credibility and unity within Nigeria’s apex youth body.
“As the supervisory authority over the National Youth Council of Nigeria, the Ministry acknowledges the legal authority of the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020, and takes due cognizance of this development,” the Ministry stated.
It further urged all youth organizations, partners, and stakeholders affiliated with the NYCN to cooperate fully with the Interim Committee, stressing that the goal is to rebuild the Council into a transparent, inclusive, and truly representative institution for Nigerian youth.
The NYCN, established in 1964 as the umbrella organization for youth associations across the country, has been embroiled in leadership tussles and legitimacy disputes for nearly two decades, undermining its effectiveness and credibility.
The CAC’s intervention marks a historic reset for the embattled Council, as the newly formed Interim Management Committee begins the arduous task of restoring order, accountability, and trust in Nigeria’s foremost youth institution.
EchoNews will continue to monitor developments as the Interim Management Committee assumes full administrative control of the Council’s affairs.
