The Senate has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the death of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Etimbuk Daniel, at the orientation camp in Enugu State, alongside an assessment of healthcare facilities in NYSC camps nationwide.

The investigation will be conducted by the Senate Committees on Police Affairs, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, Youth Development, and Health, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey, seeking an urgent review of medical services and emergency healthcare provisions at NYSC orientation camps across the country.

Lawmakers expressed sadness over Daniel’s death, describing him as a vibrant and patriotic young Nigerian who had embarked on the national service programme to contribute to the development of the country.

The Senate expressed concern over reports that the corps member died from complications allegedly linked to a minor headache after reportedly experiencing delays in accessing adequate medical attention at the camp clinic.

The lawmakers noted that the incident raised serious questions about the availability and quality of medical services at NYSC camps, particularly the capacity of camp clinics to respond to emergencies.

They also expressed concern over alleged systemic shortcomings, including inadequate medical infrastructure, a shortage of qualified emergency personnel and the absence of effective referral systems to ensure that corps members receive prompt treatment when necessary.

The Senate emphasised that the government has a responsibility to protect the lives and welfare of young graduates deployed to serve in locations away from their homes, stressing the need for functional healthcare facilities and effective emergency response mechanisms at all orientation camps.

The planned investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death and assess the state of medical infrastructure and services across NYSC camps nationwide.

The Senate subsequently observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased corps member.