Minister Hannatu Musawa Defends Ministerial Appointment During NYSC Program

Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, has defended her appointment as a minister during her one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, stating that she did not violate any laws. Musawa made this claim during an appearance on Channels Television's "Sunday Politics."

During the interview, Musawa was questioned about how she managed to become a minister without presenting her NYSC certificate or exemption letter, which is required for anyone holding public office in Nigeria.

In her response, Musawa explained that she had completed "two years" of national youth service and maintained that she did not break any laws. She said, "The fact that I’m sat here should tell you that I did not do anything wrong." Musawa acknowledged the different accounts circulating about her situation but emphasized that the matter had already been adjudicated. She added, "One day, I will come out with my own account."

When asked if she owed Nigerians an explanation for the controversy, Musawa reiterated, "I did not break the law. I did NYSC and finished. Everything that I did was in accordance with the law."

Musawa's appointment as a minister in August 2023 raised questions as she was still a serving member of the NYSC at the time. However, the Nigerian Senate did not inquire about her NYSC credentials during her screening process.