Senate Moves to Ban Military Recruitment of Minors as New Armed Forces Bill Passes Second Reading

The Nigerian Senate has taken a major step toward reforming the nation’s military legal framework by passing the Armed Forces (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2025 for second reading.

One of the most significant provisions in the proposed legislation is the prohibition of recruiting individuals under the age of 18 into the Armed Forces, aligning Nigeria’s military practices with international child protection standards.

The new provision brings Nigeria in line with the Child Rights Act (2003), the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, all of which strictly prohibit the enlistment of minors into armed forces.

Sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), the bill seeks to repeal the Armed Forces Act of 2004 and replace it with a more constitutionally compliant, modern, and operationally effective law. Leading the debate on the Senate floor, Yar’Adua emphasized that the reforms were long overdue.

“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,” he said. “This bill rebuilds the military’s legal foundation to reflect justice, professionalism, and respect for human rights.”

The proposed legislation introduces sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening military justice, enhancing professionalism, and closing long-standing legal gaps. Key provisions include:

The bill also mandates that only legally qualified military officers may represent the Armed Forces in civil courts, while a dedicated litigation fund will support efficient resolution of military-related cases. Outdated fines — some as low as ₦200 and ₦500 — will be replaced with percentage-based penalties tied to an offender’s salary to reflect current economic realities.

Another major highlight of the bill is its clarification of the military command structure. It vests day-to-day operational control 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 eliminates ambiguity and reinforces the principle of civilian oversight, a cornerstone of democratic governance.

The bill has now been referred to the Senate Joint Committee on Army, Navy, and Air Force, which is expected to present its findings within four weeks.