The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has confirmed the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has withdrawn the registration certificate of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), originally issued on October 28, 2020. The decision, announced on October 6, 2025, stems from ongoing leadership disputes and multiple violations of the NYCN Constitution and the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, as stated by Omolara Esan, Director of Information and Public Relations.
The CAC, acting under Sections 8(1)(c) and 8(1)(d) of CAMA 2020, conducted a thorough investigation revealing breaches of Sections 833 and 834. As a result, all existing leadership, trusteeship, and management claims within the NYCN have been nullified. An Interim Management Committee (IMC) has been appointed to oversee the Council’s affairs for one year, effective October 6, 2025, to restore unity and integrity.
The Ministry acknowledged the CAC’s legal authority and urged youth organizations and NYCN partners to cooperate with the IMC during the restructuring process, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for transparent and inclusive youth governance.
The NYCN has been plagued by leadership conflicts, culminating in a High Court order on October 6, 2025, halting a planned election by a faction led by Comrade Ademola Gbenga. The court, in suit No: FCT/HC/CV/3803/2025, directed the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Services to enforce the order, maintaining the status quo pending further hearings.
The claimants, including the Incorporated Trustees of the NYCN and Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, opposed Gbenga’s faction, which sought to challenge Sukubo’s re-election during the NYCN’s convention in Yenagoa from September 20-22, 2025.
The CAC’s withdrawal of the NYCN’s registration renders it no longer a legally recognized organization under Nigerian law.
