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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Nigerian corps members must obey social media laws, says NYSC DG

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Corps members in Nigeria are subject to the country's social media and cyberbullying laws, according to the National Youth Service Corps Director-General.
  • The NYSC DG stated that corps members remain citizens bound by Nigerian law, and the organization does not provide legal representation for social media-related offenses.
  • The NYSC is increasing awareness campaigns on responsible social media use, particularly for the incoming 'Generation Z' corps members who are active content creators.

Corps members serving in Nigeria must adhere to the nation's laws regarding social media conduct and cyberbullying, emphasized Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps. During an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, Nafiu clarified that participants in the mandatory national service are not exempt from these regulations.

The fact that they are corps members does not absolve them from being citizens bound by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

— Brig. Gen. Olakunle NafiuDirector-General of the National Youth Service Corps, explaining that corps members are subject to Nigerian law.

"The fact that they are corps members does not absolve them from being citizens bound by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," Nafiu stated. He explained that any allegations of cyberbullying would be investigated by law enforcement agencies, and corps members would be held accountable regardless of their service status. The NYSC, he added, is not funded to offer legal representation for such cases, though it can engage the Legal Aid Council to monitor proceedings and provide pro bono services if necessary.

If someone says you cyberbullied him or her, the police will arrest you with your NYSC identity card and you will bear that responsibility.

— Brig. Gen. Olakunle NafiuDirector-General of the National Youth Service Corps, detailing the consequences of online misconduct.

The NYSC is intensifying its outreach to educate corps members on responsible digital engagement. This initiative comes amid growing concerns about online misconduct. Nafiu noted the changing communication landscape, particularly with the mobilization of 'Generation Z' graduates, who are known for their content creation activities. "We know this generation loves content creation, and we are not against content, but there must be proper context and responsible engagement," he said, urging corps members to be mindful of potential accusations of cyberbullying when posting online.

I am not funded to provide legal representation for you in court. What we do is engage the Legal Aid Council to monitor proceedings.

— Brig. Gen. Olakunle NafiuDirector-General of the National Youth Service Corps, clarifying the NYSC's role in legal matters.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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