CAC Deregisters National Youth Council of Nigeria Amid 18-Year Leadership Crisis

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has withdrawn the registration certificate of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), citing a long-standing leadership crisis and multiple breaches of governance regulations.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Omolara Esan, Director of Information at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, confirmed that the ministry received a formal notice from the CAC dated October 6, 2025, announcing the withdrawal of the certificate originally granted on October 28, 2020.

According to Esan, the decision followed a comprehensive investigation into the council’s operations, which have been marred by leadership disputes spanning more than 18 years. She explained that the CAC acted under its powers as outlined in sections 8(1)(c) and 8(1)(d) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, after reviewing the council’s governance records.

The commission’s review reportedly uncovered serial violations of both the NYCN’s constitution and key provisions of CAMA, particularly sections 833 and 834. As a result, the CAC has revoked recognition of all existing claims to leadership, trusteeship, and management within the organisation.

An interim management committee (IMC) has been constituted to oversee the NYCN’s affairs for a one-year period, effective from October 6, 2025. The ministry stated that it recognises the CAC’s legal authority and supports the decision, urging youth organisations, stakeholders, and partners to cooperate fully with the committee during the restructuring process.

Esan said the initiative aims to restore unity, legitimacy, and institutional integrity to the NYCN in line with its founding principles. She reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to building a stable, credible, and inclusive youth governance framework rooted in accountability and transparency, consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.