The Senate has taken steps to prohibit the enlistment of persons under the age of 18 into the military, passing the Armed Forces (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2025, for second reading.
The provision, which bars the recruitment of minors, aligns Nigeria’s military practices with the Child Rights Act (2003), the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
Sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), the bill seeks to repeal the existing Armed Forces Act, 2004, replacing it with a law that is constitutionally compliant and operationally responsive.
Leading the debate on the Senate floor, Yar’Adua emphasised that the reform was long overdue, noting that the current legislation, originally derived from a military decree, no longer meets the demands of modern governance, democratic accountability, or evolving security challenges.
“Our Armed Forces are a symbol of national unity and pride, but the laws guiding them have not evolved at the same pace as our democracy. This Bill rebuilds the military’s legal foundation to reflect justice, professionalism, and respect for human rights,” he said.
The proposed legislation introduces comprehensive reforms, including expanding the definition of military offences, prescribing proportionate punishments, and safeguarding the independence of courts-martial by criminalizing interference from superior officers — a measure designed to prevent abuse of power.
For the first time, the bill also allows legally qualified military officers to represent the Armed Forces in civil courts. It establishes a standing fund for litigation to ensure efficient handling of military-related legal matters.
The bill further replaces outdated fines, some as low as ₦200 or ₦500, with percentage-based penalties tied to an offender’s salary, ensuring that sanctions remain both deterrent and economically relevant.
Additionally, the reform clarifies the chain of command and strengthens civilian oversight of the military. The legislation vests day-to-day operational command of the Armed Forces in the Chief of Defence Staff, under the authority of the President, in accordance with Section 218 of the Constitution.
This reform removes ambiguities in command reporting and reinforces the principle of civilian supremacy over the military, a cornerstone of constitutional democracies.
The bill has now been referred to the Senate Joint Committee on Army, Navy, and Air Force, which is expected to report within four weeks.